Digitization has definitely made our lives easier, and PDFs have significantly contributed to this phenomenon. They are considered digital workhorses because of their versatility and ability to easily encrypt text, imagery, and other forms of data. However, handling them, such as performing their conversion to another file format or vice versa, compressing them for email sharing, and merging various files into one document, could be tricky.
You may come across multiple scenarios when converting or compressing PDFs becomes inevitable. I have used various online resources for these purposes earlier, but they were either inefficient or costly.
Fortunately, I came across SmallPDFTools.net, which promises cost-effectiveness and hassle-free PDF management across various devices. Testing it for myself and sharing my real experience while using it for the first time became my objective, and here it is.
I have compiled an honest first impression review that accumulates honest feedback on features, UX, tools that stood out, pros I observed, and shortcomings I felt, while doing a first run analysis.
So, are you ready to go through it and determine whether it is worth trying? If so, then read on to learn more.
Honest First Impression
The first impression of any tool or app is often the make-or-break factor for many people. I’m also one of them. If any app or tool fails to impress me in the beginning, I lose trust in it and often give up the idea of testing or using it.
However, it was not the case with SmallPDFTools.net. So, here are my views about first impressions and onboarding.
- Website Design and Layout
The design and layout of some websites, especially ones offering various kinds of tools, can be so cluttered that a user may feel overwhelmed because of it.
However, that was not the case with SmallPDFTools.net, as the website comes with a clean layout featuring a simple header that features all the necessary options for easier navigation.
A search bar is also added to this header to make the process of finding a particular element even easier. I found minimal ads while going through the layout that made the website design appear easy on the eyes, even on mobile.
- Navigation
Finding various tools required for multiple purposes was quite simple because of easier navigation.
All resources were categorized according to their nature, including “To PDF,” “From PDF,” and “PDF Tools.” Simply put, all categories were clearly labelled to make it easier for an average user to find their desired tool.
I wasn’t able to navigate so easily while using most websites available for a similar purpose.
- Accessibility
Many websites take significant loading times, which frustrates me and many other people who are always in a hurry. I often face similar conditions while accessing websites that offer tools for various purposes, especially on smartphones.
However, to my surprise, SmallPDFTools.net loaded completely in minimal time, and there was no difference in loading time between desktop and mobile.
The best part about using it was its optimal performance on mobile, which was quite surprising for me, considering my previous experiences with similar websites.
First Use Experience
Before discussing various tools available on SmallPDFTools.net, it is essential to mention the features I explored during the first use.
During my first use experience, I discovered that SmallPDFTools is capable of efficiently performing various PDF-related tasks, including conversion, compression, and merging, without taking much time like other similar platforms do, which was a big relief for me.
Here is a brief overview of everything I did while using this PDF management suite for the first time:
- Converting PDF to Word
Uploading the file was quite easy, as the tool allowed me to drag and drop the file for conversion. Conversion took minimal time, and the tool delivered output in approximately 7 seconds.
The Word file contained charts, tables, headings, and images. Surprisingly, the output quality was optimal, and the tool was capable of ensuring more than 90% accuracy.
The display of the progress bar kept me informed about how much time was remaining to complete the task.
- Compressing PDF
I have already come across a frustrating instance when I waited 20 minutes just to compress a 50 MB PDF file while using an online platform. So, I knew how to test the capability of SmallPDFTools.net to compress a heavy file.
Luckily, I had a 50 MB scanned PDF featuring multiple JPEG photos. This online platform took around 10 seconds to shrink this heavy file into 6.5 MB while ensuring the crispness of the text.
I can say that SmallPDFTools.net uses aggressive compression to shrink down PDF files by approximately 70% while preserving their quality and making them perfect for email sharing.
Merging PDF
I also decided to check the capability of SmallPDFTools.net to merge multiple files and create a single document across various devices, including PC and mobile. While some other similar websites make this task difficult because of their inability to allow batch selection, the process was simple and quick with SmallPDFTools.net.
I used both methods to upload files for the merger. While the drag-and-drop feature that is usable on PC was faster, the file picker allowed me to select multiple files in one go.
Hence, I can say that file picker works well on smartphones, while drag-and-drop is ideal for desktops. The tool also allowed me to reorder pages and ensure bespoke output.
Some Other Features and Tools
While I have already mentioned standout features and tools I explored in the first run, here are some other tools and features you should know to make the most of SmallPDFTools.net:
JPG to PDF Conversion
I have searched for this feature across various online platforms, but it is often available with premium solutions only.
Surprisingly, SmallPDFTools.net also offers it for free. You can convert multiple JPGs/JPEGs into a single PDF file by allowing you to batch-select or drag-and-drop multiple images, reorder them, and convert them into a large document for cross-device usability.
SVG to PDF Conversion
Another image file format that is often required to encrypt graphics designs, embroidery patterns, and similar creative elements is SVG.
Most PDF management tools and platforms don’t offer SVG conversion to PDFs.
However, SmallPDFTools.net handles this task with immense accuracy and precision to preserve the sharpness and crucial details of designs and branding materials.
I performed multiple conversions and found top-notch results every single time. It also allowed me to preserve multiple SVG graphics as a part of a single PDF document by batch-selecting multiple visuals while requiring minimal time for the process.
GIF to PDF Conversion
You won’t commonly find the feature of converting GIFs to PDF, and most free file management platforms don’t offer it. I was astonished to find it on SmallPDFTools.net, considering its free usability. It was smooth, quick, and efficient, allowing me to order various GIFs according to my needs. Not only that, it also allowed me to merge GIFs with other image file formats and create a single PDF document, which is quite rare and admirable.
Web to PDF Conversion
I also wanted to check the accuracy and sharpness delivered by SmallPDFTools.net while converting an entire web page into a PDF. Shockingly, it delivered satisfactory results. This functionality is a perfect match for users who want to preserve online content for offline access and shareability in the form of documentation.
The tool was capable of maintaining layout, text, and visuals with optimal accuracy, which is often impossible for similar tools. Additionally, it accomplished the task in a quick yet smooth manner that made me believe that it could be a perfect choice for the creation of clean, offline versions of online content.
Conversion of PDF to Various File Formats
While it was a great experience for me to witness sharpness, smoothness, and quickness in the conversion of multiple file formats, I also wanted to test SmallPDFTools.net for vice versa.
While many online platforms, even the renowned ones, fail to deliver optimal results, SmallPDFTools.net matched my expectations and ensured the conversion of PDFs to various file formats with utmost accuracy. In my opinion, this capability makes this online platform a perfect solution to perform cross-format conversions.
Here are some conversions it can perform:
1.PDF to Word
Quickly transforms a PDF document into a Word file while preserving formatting.
2. PDF to JPG
Ensures efficient conversion of PDF files to images without compromising quality.
3. PDF to PNG
Performs smooth conversion of a PDF document to PNG without blurring text.
4. PDF to GIF
Preserves resolution and color quality while performing PDF to GIF conversions.
5. PDF to SVG
Maintains the quality of vector paths, font integrity, transparency, and gradients while converting PDFs to SVGs.
6. PDF to BMP
Ensures original resolution and color depth, and supports vector-to-raster rendering with anti-aliasing to perform top-notch PDF to BMP conversions.
7. PDF to EMF
Maintains vector graphics, avoids font mismatches, and handles transparency, gradients, and embedded images accurately while converting PDFs to EMFs.
8. PDF to TIFF
Converts PDF files to TIFF images without compromising the quality of raster graphics and color depth while supporting lossless compression.
9. PDF to ICO
Perform PDF to ICO conversion while ensuring vector-to-raster rendering with anti-aliasing, while maintaining transparency and sharp edges for clarity.
PDF Pagination
Like many other tasks, SmallPDFTools.net is also capable of numbering pages of PDF documents. While many other online platforms offer the same feature, the chances of misplaced numbers or skipped pages exist. I wanted to test its accuracy, which is why I uploaded a lengthy document featuring more than 500 pages for pagination. The output from SmallPDFTools.net was pretty satisfactory. Unlike other tools, which take significant time for the process, it took a few seconds and delivered accurate output without a single mistake.
This accuracy enhanced my trust in this platform and helped me understand which tool will help me ensure easier navigation for lengthy documents.
Pros
Since I tested SmallPDFTools.net with a critical eye, I was in search of pros I can share with others so that they can understand what makes this PDF management platform stand out.
Here are a few standouts you must know:
- Intuitive Interface: A clear, clutter-free, and easily navigable interface to offer all users a smoother experience.
- Freemium Solution: A plethora of powerful PDF management tools that are usable for free.
- 24/7 Availability: Over 40 PDF management tools are usable round-the-clock.
- Built to Help Worldwide Users: Multilingual support to help users view content in more than 50 languages for easy usability.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Usable across various devices, operating systems, and display sizes.
- Unmatched Speed: An average task completion speed of around 7 seconds across various devices.
- Optimal Output Quality: Well-preserved formatting with up to 90% accuracy after conversion.
- Straightforwardness and Efficiency: Straightforward layout and efficiency make it easily usable for everyone.
- Easier Accessibility to All Tools: Guests or casual users can easily access all tools without experiencing registration or installation hassles.
- Availability of Real-Time Support: The best part is the availability of real-time support for free and premium users alike.
- Clear and Transparent Pricing: This platform clearly conveys its availability as a freemium solution and communicates restrictions and usage caps that free users face with transparent pricing plans.
Cons
My aim was to present an honest, real user’s experience to others. Hence, I also looked for various areas where SmallPDFTools.net falls short. I also compared this online platform to its rivals and found a few drawbacks that should be mentioned here.
So, here are a few shortcomings that should be addressed to make SmallPDFTools.net an ideal solution for users of all kinds:
- PDF Comparison is not Possible: Currently, there is no feature to compare various PDFs and spot differences between various versions of a particular document.
- No Direct Scan Feature: SmallPDFTools.net doesn’t support direct scan and conversion.
- Editing Features are Missing: Full document editing and page rotating features are still missing.
- Limited Usage Access with Free Tier: Guest users who want to use tools for free face file size limits and daily usage caps.
Ideal Beneficiaries
In my opinion, SmallPDFTools.net can benefit a wide variety of users. However, a few ideal use cases are given below:
- Students and researchers who want to make quick, last-minute edits.
- Freelancers who handle multiple client files and invoices.
- Designers and marketers who manage branding materials, design, and embroidery patterns.
- Project and product managers who present project plans and technical illustrations to clients.
- Occasional users who are unable to afford costly solutions for PDF management.
- Various technical and creative teams requiring quick, efficient, smooth, and accurate compressions and conversions.
Final Verdict
I tested SmallPDFTools.net with a critical eye to find out whether it works according to the claims made by developers, or if it is just another sluggish solution like the existing ones. To my surprise, it surpassed my expectations and presented itself as a robust collection of powerful PDF management tools that are available as freemium resources.
While it may fall short in some areas and fail to meet the flexibility offered by premium solutions, it is still perfect for anyone aiming to perform common PDF management tasks without paying a single dime. I would give it a satisfactory 4.4/5 and definitely use it again. So, if you are looking for a robust PDF management suite, SmallPDFTools.net is a perfect solution for you.