Complete FAQ & Tutorials Guide

Getting Started

Quick start guide and app overview

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Quick Start

What is PDFUnion?

PDFUnion is a powerful, native macOS application designed to handle all your PDF needs in one place. From basic operations like merging and converting to advanced features like OCR, digital signatures, form creation, document comparison, and professional editing tools, PDFUnion provides comprehensive PDF solutions with an intuitive interface.

Key Benefits:

✅ 7-day free trial (Annual plan only)
✅ 100% offline processing - your data never leaves your Mac
✅ Native macOS app with optimal performance
✅ 30+ professional PDF tools in one package
✅ Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
✅ Regular updates and new features

First Steps

1. Launch PDFUnion from your Applications folder
→ Choose Annual plan for 7-day free trial (no trial for Monthly/One-time)
→ All features are immediately available with full functionality
2. Choose your first tool from the organized categories:
- • Basic Tools: Essential operations like merge, compress, convert
- • Document Management: Advanced operations like split, reorder, protect
- • Advanced Features: Professional tools like editing, forms, comparison
3. Drag and drop your PDF files or click to browse
4. Follow the guided workflow for each tool
5. Save your results to your preferred location

Batch Processing

Batch Processing Capabilities

Several key features support processing multiple files efficiently:

Tools with Batch Support:

Compress PDF: Upload multiple PDF files and compress them all at once
JPG to PDF: Convert multiple image files to PDF in a single operation
Merge PDF: Combine multiple PDF files into one document

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use Compress PDF for batch compression of multiple documents
• Convert multiple images to PDF simultaneously with JPG to PDF
• Group similar files for consistent processing results
• All batch operations maintain individual file quality and settings

Feature Categories Overview

30+ tools organized into categories

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Essential

Basic Tools

(5 Features)

Perfect for everyday PDF tasks and getting started with PDFUnion.

Organization

Document Management

(5 Features)

Essential tools for organizing and managing your PDF documents.

Professional

Advanced Features

(5 Features)

Professional-grade tools for complex document workflows.

Complete Suite

PDF Editor

(20+ Features)

Comprehensive editing suite for detailed document modifications.

Complete Feature Tutorials

Detailed tutorials for all 30+ tools

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Basic Tools

File Operations

1. Merge PDF

Purpose: Combine multiple PDF files into one document

Best for: Creating reports, compiling documents, organizing related files

How to use:

Select "Merge PDF" from Basic Tools
Drag & drop multiple PDF files or click "Browse"
Reorder files by dragging them in the list
Preview each file's page count and size
Click "Merge PDFs" to combine
Choose your save location

💡 Pro Tips:

• Files are merged in the order shown in the list
• Bookmarks and metadata are preserved
• Use for creating comprehensive reports or manuals

🔒 Local Processing:

PDF merging happens completely locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Optimization

2. Compress PDF

Purpose: Reduce file size while maintaining quality

Best for: Email attachments, web uploads, storage optimization

How to use:

Open "Compress PDF" tool
Upload your PDF file
Choose compression level:
- • High Quality: Minimal compression, best quality
- • Medium Quality: Balanced compression and quality
- • High Compression: Maximum size reduction
Preview the size reduction estimate
Click "Compress" and save

💡 Pro Tips:

• Start with Medium Quality for most uses
• High Compression ideal for documents with many images
• Average compression: 40-80% size reduction

🔒 Local Processing:

PDF compression happens completely locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Conversion

3. JPG to PDF

Purpose: Convert image files to PDF format

Best for: Creating image portfolios, scanning workflows, presentations

How to use:

Select "JPG to PDF" tool
Add JPG/JPEG images (drag & drop or browse)
Reorder images as needed
Choose page settings:
- • Page Size: Letter, A4, Custom
- • Orientation: Portrait or Landscape
- • Margins: Adjust spacing around images
Preview the layout
Convert and save your PDF

💡 Pro Tips:

• Supports batch conversion of multiple images
• Maintains original image quality
• Perfect for creating photo albums or scan compilations
• Custom page sizes available for specialized needs

🔒 Local Processing:

Image to PDF conversion happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your images remain secure

Conversion

4. PDF to PNG

Purpose: Convert PDF pages to high-quality PNG images

Best for: Web graphics, presentations, image editing workflows

How to use:

Open "PDF to PNG" converter
Upload your PDF file
Select pages to convert (all or specific pages)
Convert and download images

💡 Pro Tips:

• Each page becomes a separate PNG file
• Perfect for extracting diagrams or charts
• Maintains transparency where applicable

🔒 Local Processing:

PDF to PNG conversion happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Text Extraction

5. PDF to Word

Purpose: Extract and convert PDF text to editable formats

Best for: Document editing, content reuse, accessibility

How to use:

Select "PDF to Word" tool
Upload your PDF document
Choose output format:
- • DOCX: Best for Word editing with full formatting
- • RTF: Universal format for cross-platform compatibility
- • TXT: Simple text extraction without formatting
Preview extracted content
Download converted file

💡 Pro Tips:

• Works best with text-based PDFs
• Scanned PDFs may need OCR first
• Formatting preservation depends on PDF complexity

🔒 Local Processing:

PDF to Word conversion happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Document Management

Advanced document editing and management tools

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Document Editing

6. Rotate PDF

Purpose: Rotate pages to correct orientation

Best for: Fixing scanned documents, adjusting page orientation

How to use:

Open "Rotate PDF" tool
Upload your PDF file
Select pages to rotate (or all pages)
Choose rotation:
- • 90° (clockwise)
- • 180°
- • 270° (clockwise)
Preview changes
Apply rotation and save

💡 Pro Tips:

• Rotate individual pages or entire document
• Perfect for fixing scanner orientation issues
• Changes are permanent once saved
• Preview before applying to avoid mistakes

🔒 Local Processing:

PDF rotation happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Text Recognition

7. OCR to PDF

Purpose: Convert scanned documents to searchable, selectable text

Best for: Digitizing paper documents, making scanned PDFs searchable

How to use:

Select "OCR to PDF" tool
Upload your scanned PDF or image
Choose one or more languages for text recognition
Process and download searchable PDF

💡 Pro Tips:

• Works with multiple languages
• Essential for making old documents searchable
• Converts scanned text to searchable, editable content

🔒 Local Processing:

OCR processing happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

🌍 Language Support:

PDFUnion supports 9 languages for optimal OCR accuracy:

• English
• Spanish
• French
• German
• Italian

• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Korean
• Japanese
• Chinese (Simplified)

Document Editing

8. Split PDF

Purpose: Extract specific pages or page ranges from PDFs

Best for: Separating chapters, creating focused documents, organizing content

How to use:

Open "Split PDF" tool
Upload your PDF file
View page thumbnails
Select pages to extract:
- • Click pages: Select/deselect individual pages
- • Page ranges: Define start and end page numbers
Preview selections
Extract and save new PDFs

💡 Pro Tips:

• Visual thumbnails help identify content
• Can create multiple separate files or one combined file
• Page numbers are clearly labeled
• Perfect for breaking up large documents

🔒 Local Processing:

PDF splitting happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Document Editing

9. Reorder Pages

Purpose: Rearrange page order within your PDF

Best for: Fixing page sequence, organizing content flow

How to use:

Select "Reorder Pages" tool
Upload your PDF file
View page thumbnails in current order
Drag and drop pages to new positions
Use the preview to verify new order
Apply changes and save

💡 Pro Tips:

• Real-time visual feedback during reordering
• Unlimited undo/redo while editing
• Zoom in on thumbnails for better visibility
• Essential for fixing scanning order issues

🔒 Local Processing:

Page reordering happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Security

10. Protect PDF

Purpose: Add password protection to secure your documents

Best for: Securing sensitive documents and controlling access

How to use:

Open "Protect PDF" tool
Upload your PDF file
Enter a secure password
Confirm your password
Apply protection and save

People will need this password to open the PDF.

💡 Pro Tips:

• Choose strong passwords (8+ characters)
• Include numbers, letters, and symbols for better security
• Keep your password safe - it cannot be recovered if lost
• Essential for confidential documents

🔒 Local Processing:

PDF protection happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Advanced Features

Professional-grade PDF editing and creation tools

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Professional

11. Edit PDF

Purpose: Comprehensive PDF editing with 21 tools

Best for: Professional document editing, content modification, collaboration

21 PDF Editor Tools:

Text Editing (3):

• Edit Text
• Fix Typos
• Font Style

Annotations (8):

• Highlight, Underline, Strikethrough
• Freehand Draw, Sticky Note
• Rectangle, Circle, Arrow

Media & Security (4):

• Insert Image, Redact Text
• Resize/Move, Delete Image

Codes & Stamps (3):

• QR Code, Barcode
• Digital Stamp

Form Controls (3):

• Checkbox, Radio Button
• Text Field

💡 Pro Tips:

• Start with text editing for content changes
• Use annotations for review and collaboration
• Digital stamps provide professional document approval
• Redaction permanently removes sensitive information

⚡ Performance Features:

PDFUnion's editor is optimized for macOS:

• Native performance: Built specifically for macOS
• Apple Silicon ready: Optimized for M1/M2/M3 Macs
• Memory efficient: Smart resource management
• Fast rendering: Quick preview and editing

Recent Files Management:

PDFUnion automatically tracks your recent files for quick access:

• Recent Files: Up to 12 recently used files
• Edited Files: Up to 8 recently edited documents
• Quick Access: Click any recent file to open it directly
• Privacy: All file paths stored locally on your Mac
• Clear Option: Use "Clear Recent" to reset the list

🔒 Local Processing:

All PDF editing happens locally on your Mac:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Native performance: Optimized for macOS
• Privacy first: Your documents remain private

Security

12. Watermark PDF

Purpose: Add text or image watermarks to protect intellectual property

Best for: Branding documents, copyright protection, draft identification

How to use:

Open "Watermark PDF" tool
Upload your PDF file
Choose watermark type:
- • Text Watermark: Custom text with font options
- • Image Watermark: Upload your logo or image
Customize appearance:
- • Position: 9 preset positions
- • Opacity: Transparency level (0-100%)
- • Rotation: Angle of watermark
- • Scale: Size relative to page
Preview on sample page
Apply to all pages or select specific pages, then save

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use 20-30% opacity for subtle watermarks
• Text watermarks can include dynamic elements like dates
• Image watermarks work best as PNG files with transparent backgrounds for better integration

🔒 Privacy & Security:

Watermark processing is completely local:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Instant processing: Real-time watermark application
• Secure: Your documents remain private

Analysis

13. Compare PDFs

Purpose: Identify differences between document versions

Best for: Version control, legal review, change tracking

How to use:

Select "Compare PDFs" tool
Upload two PDF versions:
- • Original Document: Base version
- • Revised Document: Updated version
Review highlighted differences
Export comparison report

💡 Pro Tips:

• Text comparison works best for content changes
• Export reports for documentation and review
• Perfect for legal and compliance workflows

🔒 Local Processing:

Document comparison happens locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Fast processing: Optimized for local performance
• Privacy: Your documents remain secure

Security

14. Sign PDF

Purpose: Add digital signatures to documents

Best for: Contract signing, document approval, authentication

How to use:

Open "Sign PDF" tool
Upload your PDF document
Create your signature:
- • Draw with Mouse: Draw your signature using your mouse or trackpad
- • Generate from Text: Type your name to create a handwritten-style signature
Position signature on document
Adjust size and appearance
Apply signature and save

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use a mouse for better control when drawing signatures
• Text signatures work well for business documents and forms
• Preview your signature before applying to ensure it looks right

🔒 Local Processing:

Digital signature creation is completely local:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Instant creation: Real-time signature generation
• Privacy: Your signature data remains private

Forms

15. Create Fillable Form

Purpose: Design interactive PDF forms with various field types

Best for: Surveys, applications, data collection, interactive documents

How to use:

Select "Create Fillable Form" tool
Start with existing PDF or create new form
Drag form elements from the left panel to the blank form page
Position fields on the grid layout for organized placement
Add multiple pages if needed using the "+ Add Page" button
Preview your form to ensure proper layout
Click "Create Form" to generate your interactive PDF

Available Form Elements:

Text Field: For user text input

Email: Email address field

Phone Number: Phone number input

Date Field: Date picker field

Checkbox: Yes/No options

Dropdown: Selection from options

File Upload: Document attachment

Comment/Notes: Multi-line text area

Signature: Signature field

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use the grid layout for precise field positioning
• Preview your form before creating to catch any layout issues
• Add pages incrementally as you build longer forms
• Position related fields close together for better user experience

🔒 Local Processing:

Form creation happens completely locally:

• 100% offline: No internet connection required
• Files stay local: Never uploaded to external servers
• Instant creation: Real-time form generation
• Privacy: Your form designs remain private

📋 Form Field Types:

Create professional forms with these field types:

Input Fields:

• Text Field (general input)
• Email (email validation)
• Phone Number (phone format)
• Date Field (date picker)

Selection Fields:

• Checkbox (yes/no options)
• Dropdown (selection list)
• Radio Button (single choice)

Special Fields:

• File Upload (document attachment)
• Comment/Notes (multi-line text)
• Signature (signature capture)

PDF Editor Deep Dive

Comprehensive PDF editing tools and techniques

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Text Editing

Text Editing Tools

Edit Text

• Purpose: Modify existing text content directly
• How to: Select text, edit in place, apply changes
• Best for: Correcting content, updating information

Fix Typos

• Purpose: Automatically detect and correct spelling errors
• How to: Scan document, review suggestions, apply fixes
• Best for: Proofreading, quality assurance

Font Style

• Purpose: Change fonts and colors
• How to: Select text, choose new styling options
• Best for: Consistent formatting, brand compliance

Annotations

Annotation Tools

Highlight

• Purpose: Emphasize important text passages
• Colors: Yellow, green, blue, red, orange, purple
• Best for: Review, study materials, key points

Underline

• Purpose: Emphasize text with underlines
• Best for: Formal documents, emphasis without color

Strikethrough

• Purpose: Show deleted or changed content
• Best for: Editing marks, version control

Sticky Notes

• Purpose: Add comments and feedback
• Best for: Collaboration, review comments

Freehand Draw

• Purpose: Draw directly on documents
• Best for: Sketches, diagrams, annotations

Shapes

Shape Tools

Rectangle & Circle

• Purpose: Add geometric shapes for emphasis
• Best for: Highlighting areas, creating diagrams

Arrow

• Purpose: Point to specific content
• Best for: Instructions, attention direction

Advanced

Advanced Tools

Insert Image

• Purpose: Add logos, photos, diagrams to PDFs
• Features: Resize, position, transparency
• Best for: Branding, visual enhancement

QR Code Generator

• Purpose: Create scannable QR codes
• Uses: URLs, contact info, WiFi credentials
• Best for: Digital integration, quick access

Barcode Generator

• Purpose: Add various barcode formats
• Types: Code 128, PDF417, Aztec
• Best for: Inventory, identification

Digital Stamps

• Purpose: Professional approval stamps
• Options: Approved, Draft, Final, Urgent, Reviewed, Signed, Void, Copy
• Features: Multiple styles (Rectangular/Circular/Badge), color customization, date inclusion options
• Best for: Document workflow, status indication, approval processes

Redaction

• Purpose: Permanently remove sensitive information
• Security: Information cannot be recovered
• Best for: Legal documents, privacy protection

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Common questions and solutions

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Scroll down to explore all FAQ categories

General Questions

Q: What file formats does PDFUnion support?

A: PDFUnion primarily works with PDF files, but also supports:

• Input: JPG, JPEG, PNG (for conversion to PDF)
• Output: PDF, DOCX, RTF, TXT, PNG, JPG

Q: Is there a file size limit?

A: PDFUnion has minimal file size restrictions:

• Most features: No hard limits - limited only by your Mac's available memory and storage
• Visual Compare: Works with most document sizes
• PDF to Word preview: Shows first 10 pages in preview
• Recent files: Maximum 12 recent files and 8 edited files tracked
• Text previews: 10,000 character limit for PDF to Word previews
• Annotation text: 50 character limit for annotation previews
• All other tools: Process files of any size with progressive memory management

Q: Do my files get uploaded to the internet?

A: No, all processing happens locally on your Mac. Your files never leave your computer, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Q: How does local processing work?

A: PDFUnion processes everything 100% locally:

• No internet required after initial setup
• Files never leave your Mac - complete privacy
• Native performance optimized for macOS
• Works offline for all 30+ tools

Performance & Technical

Q: Can I process multiple files at once?

A: Yes! Many tools support batch processing:

• Convert: Multiple images to PDF
• Watermark: Apply to all pages simultaneously
• Split: Extract multiple page ranges

Features & Usage

Q: How accurate is the OCR feature?

A: OCR accuracy depends on:

• Image quality: Higher resolution = better results
• Text clarity: Clean, printed text works best
• Language: Supported languages perform better
• Font type: Standard fonts are more accurate

Q: Can I undo changes in the PDF Editor?

A: Yes! The PDF Editor includes:

• Unlimited undo/redo while editing
• Auto-save for Edit Text feature to prevent data loss

Q: How do I create the best watermarks?

A: For effective watermarks:

• Use 20-30% opacity for subtle marking
• Position diagonally for security
• Choose large, clear fonts for text
• Use PNG images with transparency

Compatibility & System

Q: Which macOS versions are supported?

A: PDFUnion requires macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later. We support:

• macOS 14 (Sonoma)
• macOS 15 (Sequoia)
• Future macOS versions through regular updates

ℹ️ System Requirements:

PDFUnion is designed specifically for modern macOS systems. The minimum requirement of macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) ensures optimal performance, security features, and compatibility with the latest Apple technologies.

Q: Can I install on multiple Macs?

A: Licensing depends on your purchase:

• App Store: Install on any Mac with your Apple ID
• One-time purchase: One license per Apple ID (personal use)
• Business use: Contact us for volume licensing

Advanced Features

Q: What's the difference between digital signatures and e-signatures?

A:

• Digital signatures: Cryptographically secure, verify authenticity
• E-signatures: Visual signatures for consent and agreement
• PDFUnion supports both types depending on your needs

Q: How secure is the redaction feature?

A: PDFUnion's redaction permanently removes content:

• Text is deleted, not just covered
• Metadata is cleaned
• Use for sensitive information that must be completely removed

Q: What file formats does PDFUnion support?

A: PDFUnion provides focused format support for PDF workflows:

Input Formats:

• PDF (all versions)
• JPG, JPEG, PNG (for conversion to PDF)

Output Formats:

• PDF (all versions)
• DOCX, RTF, TXT
• PNG, JPG

💡 Pro Tips:

• Primary focus on PDF processing and conversion
• Image formats supported for JPG to PDF conversion
• Text extraction available in multiple formats
• All processing happens locally on your Mac

Trial & Subscription Questions

Q: When does my free trial start?

A: Your 7-day free trial begins when you select the Annual plan with a free-trial offer and confirm via the App Store purchase sheet. The trial is available only for the Annual subscription plan ($79.99/year). No trial is available for Monthly or One-time purchases.

Q: Can I use the trial on multiple devices?

A: Yes! Your trial works across all Mac devices using the same Apple ID. Once you start your trial on one Mac, it's available on all your other Macs automatically. The 7-day period is shared across all devices. Remember to cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

Q: Can I get another trial with a different Apple ID?

A: Each Apple ID is entitled to one 7-day trial for the Annual plan only. Using multiple Apple IDs to circumvent trial limitations violates our Terms of Service and fair use policy. The trial is not available for Monthly or One-time purchases.

Q: How do I cancel my subscription to avoid charges?

A: To avoid being charged, you must cancel at least 24 hours before your subscription period ends. Go to System Settings → Apple ID → Media & Purchases → Subscriptions → Manage → select PDFUnion and turn off auto-renewal. Your access continues until the end of the current period.

Q: What happens if I don't cancel my free trial?

A: Unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the trial ends, your subscription automatically converts to a paid Annual subscription ($79.99/year). You will be charged within 24 hours before the trial period ends. Make sure to cancel in time if you don't want to continue with the paid plan.

Privacy & Security

Q: Is my data private during trial management?

A: Absolutely. PDFUnion prioritizes your privacy:

• No personal information is collected or stored
• Your documents never leave your Mac
• No email addresses or personal details required for trial access