54 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
54 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: Rasterize PDF
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description: Convert PDF pages to image-based PDF. Flatten all layers, remove selectable text, and control DPI and image format.
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---
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# Rasterize PDF
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Rasterization converts each page of a PDF into an image and reassembles those images back into a PDF. The result looks identical to the original but contains no selectable text, no interactive elements, and no editable layers. It is effectively a high-quality photocopy.
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## How It Works
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1. Upload one or more PDF files.
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2. Set the **DPI** (resolution) for the rasterized output.
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3. Choose an **Image Format** -- PNG for lossless quality or JPEG for smaller files.
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4. Optionally check **Convert to Grayscale**.
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5. Click **Rasterize PDF**. Multiple files download as a ZIP.
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## Options
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| Setting | Values | Default |
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| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | ------- |
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| **DPI** | 72, 150, 200, 300, 600 | 150 |
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| **Image Format** | PNG (lossless), JPEG (smaller) | PNG |
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| **Grayscale** | On/Off | Off |
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## DPI Guidelines
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- **72** -- Screen-only viewing, smallest file size
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- **150** -- Good balance for general use
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- **200** -- Sharper text, moderate file size
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- **300** -- Print-quality output
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- **600** -- High-quality archival or professional printing
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## Use Cases
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- Preventing text extraction from confidential documents before sharing
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- Eliminating font dependency issues by converting text to pixels
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- Creating a "flat" version of a PDF with complex layers or transparency that renders differently across viewers
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- Preparing a PDF for a system that only accepts image-based input
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- Stripping hidden content (like tracked changes or form data) by reducing the PDF to pure images
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## Tips
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- 150 DPI at PNG is a solid default. Only go higher if you need print output or need to zoom in on fine details.
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- JPEG produces noticeably smaller files but introduces compression artifacts on sharp text edges.
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- Rasterization is irreversible -- keep your original PDF if you might need editable text later.
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## Related Tools
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- [Compress PDF](./compress-pdf) -- reduce the rasterized PDF's file size
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- [Deskew PDF](./deskew-pdf) -- straighten pages before rasterizing scanned documents
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- [Font to Outline](./font-to-outline) -- convert fonts to vector paths if you want to keep scalability
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- [Flatten PDF](./flatten-pdf) -- flatten forms without converting to images
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