Add value to image PDF files with pdfsandwich
Scan Doctor
Use this handy tool to make your scanned PDF files zoomable and searchable.
The Portable Document Format (PDF) is surely one of the very few file formats that every user of digital devices has used at least once, knowingly or not. In spite of its popularity, however (or maybe because of it?), the PDF is also too often misused. This article describes the problem and how you can solve it with a tool called pdfsandwich [1].
Purpose and Limits of PDF
In general, and simplifying a lot, the purpose of PDF is to make sure that the visible and printable versions of a digital document always look the same on both screen and paper, no matter which hardware and software render it. The PDF version of a text file configured to print on A4 sheets, for example, will always keep that form factor, regardless of that of the screen that displays it.
For the same reason, the PDF version of a spreadsheet will surely show the numbers in each cell with whatever font, font face, and color its author chose. However, it will not show the formulas that generate those numbers and, just like its printed version, it will not allow you to, for example, reorder the rows in any way.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.