How to build a PDF workflow
Workflows chain several PDF tools into a single job: the output of each step goes straight into the next, with no downloading and re-uploading in between. If every month you rotate, number, compress and password-protect the same invoices, or you always run OCR and convert to PDF/A before archiving, you can do it all in one go.
You can also save the workflow as a named recipe on your device and run it again whenever you need it.
Step by step
- Upload your PDF.
- Click add step, choose the tool and set its options; repeat for up to six steps and reorder them with the arrows.
- If you will reuse it, give it a name (for example 'My invoices') and save it on this device.
- Run the workflow and download the final result.
Steps you can use
You can combine: rotate pages, add page numbers, watermark, compress, recognise text (OCR), convert to PDF/A, repair, remove password and protect with password. Each step has the same core options as its standalone tool: rotation, numbering format, watermark text, compression quality or password.
A few useful recipes. Archiving scans: repair, OCR and PDF/A. Sending paperwork out: number pages, watermark 'COPY', compress and protect. Bank statements: remove password, number and compress.
Order matters
Steps run from top to bottom. Remove password must come first, because no other tool can work on an encrypted PDF, and protect with password must come last. Run OCR before compressing so recognition works on the best quality, and add numbers and watermarks before compressing so everything is optimised together.
Recipes are stored only in this device's browser; they do not move to other computers or sync with your account. For safety, passwords are never saved, so you type them each time you run the workflow. The usual studio limits apply: up to 50 pages and 50 MB per job.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steps can a workflow have?
- Up to six steps per job.
- Where are my workflows saved?
- In this device's browser. If you switch computers or clear browser data, you will need to create them again.
- Are passwords saved in the workflow?
- No. For safety you enter them each time you run it.
- Can I include summarize or translate in a workflow?
- No. Workflows combine organising and optimising tools: rotate, number, watermark, compress, OCR, PDF/A, repair, and removing or adding a password.
- Are workflows free?
- Yes, like all the PDF tools that do not use AI.