PDF format is one of the most widespread types of files. Among many other file formats supported in Pics.io, we also support PDFs. Being able to search and highlight is crucial for productivity and communication. Pics.io offers the best of two worlds, advanced PDF-related functionality combined with tools used for managing unlimited libraries with all types of assets.
How can I work with PDF assets in Pics.io?
You can do the following using our PDF viewer:
Highlight the necessary text area;
Perform search inside the document;
Configure types of search you need;
Change a PDF file view;
Compare two different PDFs to see the difference between them;
Choose the page you need to jump to and navigate between pages.
How can I search inside PDF?
To start searching for specific words inside your PDFs, just open any PDF file in preview. There is a search field in the top right corner of an asset where you can also customize the search settings.
Phrase search allows you a chance to search the exact phrase, or words from your phrase separately. For example Great Tool, by selecting Phrase Search you can search exactly the phrase, Great Tool. In case you disable it, Great and Tool will be used as two completely different search queries.
Case sensitive filter specify whether capital/small letters should be prioritized during the search process. If you deselect this setting, you'll get results with capital and small letters combined.
The Entire Word filter informs the search tool that your combination is a complete search query or part of the larger one which happens to include your search combination. For example, the word cat can be located as a part of the larger word - caterpillar. This way you can filter out irrelevant search results and save time.
Highlight All highlights all of the search results spontaneously or one by one. This way you can scroll and locate right away all of the search results. Please note that you can still use arrows or +- keys to switch between search results, just like in the other PDF viewers.
How to highlight and communicate with your team?
Just like with other types of assets in Pics.io, you can upload revisions and highlight certain areas. It's possible to comment and discuss changes of parts of a document in the Activity panel of your assets preview. All of the notes can be hidden by pressing the eye symbol in the revision box. Being able to upload new revisions next to the previous versions helps keep everything in order and compare them if necessary.
Different view options:
Pics.io offers three types of spread view options:
No spread shows you page after page.
The odd spread reflects two pages in a row;
Evan spread is a perfect choice if you prefer a book-like spread option;
Zoom option allows you to adjust the size you prefer, more information on the screenshot below
How to compare two revisions of PDF assets or separate PDF files?
Pics.io visual comparison tool can be used for the comparing two separate PDF assets or their versions. They can be identical or completely different for your convenience.
To compare two different assets just select them (Cmd/Ctrl + mouse click on the thumbnails) and click on the 'Compare assets' button in the left-side panel.
To compare versions of the same PDF file:
open the asset in preview;
click on the Activity panel in the top right corner;
open one of the revisions;
mouse over the other revision;
click on the 'See the difference' button.
NB! The document in the right column is the main one, and page by page preview along with a scroll tool to control it is located on the left side.
How can I change the view of a PDF file?
To modify Page View, you are welcome to set up the Page Width setting in the top left corner which gives you the possibility to set up a view of two different size assets in the most convenient way. In case two PDF assets are almost identical revisions, page width helps to zoom in/out the pages spontaneously.
NB! That scroll tool is scrolling two pages spontaneously and the number in the top right corner is reflecting the page you are looking at.
NB! In case you are working with PDF assets on your phone, some functions may be limited.