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Version: 2.0 (Beta)

Multi-Tool Workbench

Tool ID: multiTool

The Multi-Tool is a powerful workbench interface that revolutionizes how you work with PDFs in Stirling-PDF V2. Upload your files once, then seamlessly chain multiple operations together without re-uploading between steps.

V2.0 Feature

Multi-Tool is one of V2's flagship features, taking full advantage of browser file storage to create a fluid, efficient workflow for complex PDF operations.

What is Multi-Tool?​

Multi-Tool is an interactive workspace where you can:

  • Upload PDFs once and reuse them across multiple operations
  • Switch between different tools instantly
  • See thumbnail previews of all your files
  • Build complex workflows step-by-step
  • Experiment with different settings without losing progress

Think of it as your PDF workbench - everything you need in one place.

Key Features​

📁 Persistent File Storage​

Files stay in your browser's local storage throughout your session:

  • Upload once, use many times
  • No re-uploading between operations
  • Files persist even when switching tools
  • Clear storage when done for privacy

🔄 Seamless Tool Switching​

Move between operations without interruption:

  • Access all 60+ tools from one interface
  • Switch tools instantly
  • Previous results become new inputs
  • Build on your work progressively

👁️ Visual File Management​

See what you're working with:

  • Thumbnail previews of all PDFs
  • File names and sizes displayed
  • Quick file selection
  • Drag-and-drop reordering

⏮️ Undo/Redo Support​

Made a mistake? No problem:

  • Undo operations to previous versions
  • Redo changes you undid
  • Version history tracking
  • Jump to any previous state

🎯 Focused Workspace​

Everything in one place:

  • Clean, uncluttered interface
  • Tool settings sidebar
  • File preview area
  • Results management

How to Use Multi-Tool​

Getting Started​

  1. Open Multi-Tool

    • Click "Multi-Tool" from the home page (in Recommended Tools)
    • Or navigate to it from the tools menu

  2. Upload Your Files

    • Drag and drop PDFs into the workspace
    • Or click to browse and select files
    • Upload one or multiple PDFs as needed

  3. Select a Tool

    • Click the tool selector/menu
    • Browse or search for the operation you need
    • Tool opens in the sidebar with its settings

  4. Configure and Process

    • Adjust tool-specific settings
    • Select which files to process
    • Click "Process" or "Apply"

  5. Continue Working

    • Result is added to your workspace
    • Original file preserved (unless you choose to replace)
    • Select another tool to continue
    • Build your workflow step by step

Common Workflows​

Example 1: Document Preparation​

Goal: Prepare a scanned document for distribution

  1. Upload your scanned PDF
  2. OCR → Make it searchable
  3. Crop → Remove scanner edges
  4. Compress → Reduce file size
  5. Add Watermark → Brand the document
  6. Download → Save final version

Time saved: No re-uploading between 5 operations!

Example 2: Multi-Document Merger​

Goal: Combine and enhance multiple PDFs

  1. Upload multiple PDF files
  2. Merge → Combine into one document
  3. Add Page Numbers → Number all pages
  4. Add Table of Contents → Improve navigation
  5. Add Password → Secure the result
  6. Download → Final protected document

Benefit: All files managed in one workspace

Example 3: Experimentation​

Goal: Find the best compression settings

  1. Upload your PDF
  2. Compress with low settings → Check quality
  3. Undo → Return to original
  4. Compress with medium settings → Compare
  5. Undo → Try again
  6. Compress with high settings → Find best balance
  7. Download preferred version

Advantage: Undo/redo lets you compare results easily

Example 4: Batch Processing​

Goal: Apply same operations to multiple files

  1. Upload 10 PDF files
  2. Rotate → Fix orientation on all
  3. Crop → Remove margins from all
  4. Add Watermark → Brand all documents
  5. Download All → Get processed batch

Efficiency: Process entire batch without individual uploads

Available Tools in Multi-Tool​

Multi-Tool provides access to nearly all 60+ Stirling-PDF tools, including:

  • Merge - Combine multiple PDFs
  • Split - Divide into separate files
  • Compress - Reduce file sizes
  • Rotate - Fix orientation
  • Crop - Adjust page sizes
  • Add Watermark - Brand documents
  • Add Page Numbers - Number pages
  • OCR - Make searchable
  • Password Protection - Secure files
  • Extract Pages - Pull out specific pages

Not Available in Multi-Tool:​

Some specialized tools have their own interfaces:

  • Automate - Pipeline builder (separate interface)
  • Compare - Requires dedicated comparison view
  • Sign - Signature pad interface

File Management​

Adding Files​

  • Drag and Drop: Easiest method - drag PDFs into workspace
  • Browse: Click "Add Files" or upload button
  • From Previous Operation: Results automatically added to workspace

Organizing Files​

  • Rename: Click file name to rename for better organization
  • Reorder: Drag files to reorder (important for merge operations)
  • Select: Click to select files for specific operations
  • Multi-Select: Hold Ctrl/Cmd to select multiple files

Removing Files​

  • Individual: Click X or delete button on file thumbnail
  • Clear All: Use "Clear Files" button to remove everything
  • Auto-Clear: Files clear when you close the browser (configurable)

Storage Information​

  • Used Space: See how much browser storage you're using
  • Remaining Space: Check available space
  • Per-File Size: Each file shows its size
  • Total Size: See total workspace usage

Workspace Features​

File Previews​

  • Thumbnails: First page thumbnail for each PDF
  • Quick Preview: Click thumbnail for larger preview
  • Page Count: Shows number of pages per file
  • File Info: See file size and last modified time

Version History​

  • History Panel: Access version history for each file
  • View Versions: See all operations performed
  • Restore Version: Jump back to any previous version
  • Compare Versions: See what changed between versions

Settings and Options​

  • Tool Settings: Configure each operation's parameters
  • Apply to Selected: Process only selected files
  • Apply to All: Process entire workspace
  • Batch Mode: Process multiple files with same settings

Best Practices​

1. Organize Before Starting​

  • Name your files descriptively before uploading
  • Group related files together
  • Plan your workflow sequence

2. Work Progressively​

  • Start with one file to test settings
  • Apply same settings to batch once confirmed
  • Build complexity gradually

3. Use Undo Liberally​

  • Try different settings and compare
  • Don't worry about mistakes
  • Experiment freely with undo safety net

4. Manage Storage​

  • Clear completed projects regularly
  • Download important results immediately
  • Monitor storage usage indicator
  • Use desktop app for unlimited storage

5. Save Intermediate Results​

  • Download important intermediate versions
  • Don't rely on browser storage long-term
  • Clear files before closing on shared computers

6. Leverage File Persistence​

  • Upload all related files at once
  • Use them across multiple operations
  • Avoid re-uploading unnecessarily

Tips and Tricks​

Speed Up Your Workflow​

  • Quick Tool Switch: Use search to find tools quickly
  • Favorite Tools: Frequently used tools appear first
  • Batch Operations: Select multiple files and process at once
  • Undo/Redo: Use toolbar buttons to revert or reapply changes

Avoid Common Issues​

  • Storage Full: Clear old files before uploading large PDFs
  • Lost Files: Download important results before clearing storage
  • Performance: Close and reopen Multi-Tool if it becomes slow
  • Browser Refresh: Save work before refreshing (files may clear)

Advanced Techniques​

  • Version Branching: Keep multiple versions to try different approaches
  • Quality Comparison: Compress at different levels and compare
  • Template Workflows: Develop standard sequences for repetitive tasks
  • Batch Consistency: Use same settings across document sets

Multi-Tool vs. Individual Tools vs. Automate​

Use Multi-Tool When:​

✅ Working with multiple related operations ✅ Need flexibility to adjust on the fly ✅ Experimenting with different settings ✅ Want visual feedback at each step ✅ Processing a few files with various operations

Use Individual Tools When:​

✅ Single, simple operation needed ✅ Quick one-off task ✅ Don't need file persistence ✅ Processing one file, one time

Use Automate When:​

✅ Same workflow repeated frequently ✅ Predictable, consistent operations ✅ Automated folder processing ✅ No manual intervention needed ✅ Large batch processing

Browser Storage and Privacy​

How It Works​

  • Files stored in your browser's local IndexedDB
  • Data never leaves your device until you process
  • Only you can access your stored files
  • Storage is per-domain (isolated from other sites)

Storage Limits​

Typical browser limits:

  • Chrome/Edge: ~10GB or 60% of available disk space
  • Firefox: ~10GB
  • Safari: ~1GB (more restrictive)

Privacy Controls​

  • Clear on Exit: Configure browser to clear data on close
  • Manual Clear: Use "Clear Files" button anytime
  • Incognito Mode: Storage cleared when window closes
  • Desktop App: Full offline privacy, unlimited storage

Security Notes​

  • Files are not encrypted in browser storage
  • Don't store highly sensitive documents long-term
  • Use desktop app for sensitive work
  • Clear storage on shared/public computers

Troubleshooting​

Files Disappeared​

Possible Causes:

  • Browser cleared storage automatically
  • You clicked "Clear Files"
  • Browser data was cleared manually
  • Switched to incognito mode

Solutions:

  • Check Downloads folder (you may have saved them)
  • Use desktop app for persistent storage
  • Enable "persistent storage" in browser settings

Out of Storage Space​

Symptoms: Can't upload new files, error messages

Solutions:

  1. Clear old/completed projects
  2. Download and delete large files
  3. Use desktop app for large projects
  4. Compress files before uploading

Multi-Tool Running Slowly​

Symptoms: Lag, freezing, slow response

Solutions:

  1. Clear unused files from workspace
  2. Close other browser tabs
  3. Restart browser
  4. Use desktop app for better performance
  5. Reduce number of files in workspace

Can't Find a Tool​

Symptoms: Tool missing from Multi-Tool

Possible Reasons:

  • Tool has dedicated interface (Compare, Automate, Sign)
  • Tool has been disabled by administrator
  • Search for tool name to locate it

Desktop App vs. Browser Multi-Tool​

Browser Multi-Tool​

Pros:

  • No installation needed
  • Access from any device
  • Automatic updates
  • Web-based convenience

Cons:

  • Storage limits (~1-10GB)
  • Files may be cleared
  • Requires internet for processing
  • Browser-dependent performance

Desktop App Multi-Tool​

Pros:

  • Unlimited storage
  • True persistent files
  • Completely offline capable
  • Native performance
  • Files in your file system

Cons:

  • Requires installation
  • Device-specific
  • Manual updates

Recommendation: Desktop app for serious work, browser for quick tasks

Frequently Asked Questions​

Can I save my Multi-Tool workspace?​

Not directly, but you can:

  • Download all processed files
  • Use Automate to save operation sequences
  • Desktop app keeps files in your file system

How long are files stored?​

  • Until you manually clear them
  • Until browser storage is cleared
  • Until browser closes (if configured that way)
  • Desktop app: indefinitely in your file system

Can I access files from another device?​

No, browser storage is device-specific. Options:

  • Download files and transfer them
  • Use cloud storage between devices
  • Self-host Stirling-PDF on your network

Does Multi-Tool work offline?​

  • Browser: No, requires server connection for processing
  • Desktop App: Yes, completely offline capable

Can I process multiple files at once?​

Yes! Select multiple files and most operations will process them in batch.

Summary​

Multi-Tool is your PDF command center in Stirling-PDF V2:

  • 📁 Upload once, use everywhere
  • 🔄 Chain unlimited operations
  • ⏮️ Undo/redo for experimentation
  • 👁️ Visual file management
  • 🚀 Efficient multi-step workflows

Perfect for: Complex PDF tasks, multi-step operations, batch processing, and exploratory work.

Ready to supercharge your PDF workflow? Open Multi-Tool and experience the V2 difference!