Tutorials: PDFs and documents

1. How to convert a PDF to Word, and a Word file to PDF

   From Word to PDF, "Save As" or "Print > Save as PDF" is enough, on any computer. From PDF to Word you open the PDF with Word for desktop, or with Google Docs: no unknown sites for personal documents.

2. How to merge several PDFs into one, for free

   On Mac and iPhone, Preview is enough, and it is already built in. On Windows you need a program: PDFsam Basic is free, open source and works on your computer without uploading your documents to the internet.

3. How to open a P7M file (digitally signed document)

   A .p7m file is a document with a digital signature inside an "envelope". To read it you need a free verification program, from those listed by AgID, or the online verifier of the Italian notaries. Here is how, and what to keep.

4. How to open a ZIP or RAR file on PC, Mac and phone

   ZIP files open with the tools already built into Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android. For RAR files an up-to-date Windows 11 is enough, or 7-Zip, which is free and open source. Here are the steps for each system.

5. How to reduce the size of a PDF

   On Mac and iPhone you compress a PDF with Preview, without installing anything. On Windows it is better to make a lighter PDF again from the original or from the scan. All without uploading your documents to unknown sites.

6. How to sign a PDF on a PC, a Mac or a phone

   How to put your drawn signature on a PDF with Preview on Mac and iPhone, Acrobat Reader or Edge on Windows, Google Drive on Android. And why, according to AgID, that signature is not a digital signature with full legal value.

7. How to turn a photo or a scanned document into a PDF

   A photo or a scan in JPG becomes a PDF with the tools you already have: Preview on Mac and iPhone, Word on Windows. If the sheet is still on paper, it is better to scan it straight to PDF.

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