Application to edit documents selectively - Cheap or Free

[bjcheung77]

For documents and other file types such as PDF's, is there an application that can merge specific pages of a PDF with another? For example, I have X PDF's, I want to selectively grab pages from those Docx/PDF's and combine them into one... Is there an application for that? Something like a cut/paste or snipping parts that I want to review later?  

This is for generating a Coles or Collins Notes version of a set of textbook chapters for review, so I can review parts I need to retain info in those hard to grasp concept areas or points I want to.  It's easier than copy/pasting into a document, or getting screenshots, etc, much faster than writing down or highlighting those notes as well.   Anything out there?

[davewill]

I've used a program called CutePDF Pro for this kind of thing for years. While it's not free, it was easily the best $30 I ever spent (it seems to be $50 now, still well worth it) as I've been getting updates for 10 years without any attempts to upsell me, or take away functionality.

It can add and remove pages, reorder pages, stitch multiple PDFs together, add and remove passwords, and more.

https://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/Pro.asp

[LevelUP]

Suggestions by ChatGPT o1-mini.

Yes, there are several applications that can help you selectively extract and merge specific pages from multiple PDF and DOCX files into a single document. This can streamline the process of creating condensed study materials like Coles or Collins Notes. Below are some recommended tools and methods to achieve this:

1. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Features:

• Page Extraction & Merging: Easily extract specific pages from multiple PDFs and combine them into one document.
  
• Conversion: Convert DOCX files to PDF, enabling seamless merging of content from both file types.
  
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive tools for organizing, rearranging, and managing pages.
  

How to Use:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
   
2. Use the "Combine Files" feature to add multiple PDFs and converted DOCX files.
   
3. Select and arrange the specific pages you want to include.
   
4. Merge them into a single PDF for your study notes.
   

Link: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

2. PDFsam Basic
Features:

• Free & Open-Source: A cost-effective solution for splitting and merging PDFs.
  
• Selective Page Extraction: Choose specific pages from multiple PDFs to combine.
  
• Batch Processing: Handle multiple files simultaneously.
  

Limitations:

• DOCX Support: Does not natively support DOCX files. You’ll need to convert DOCX to PDF first (using Microsoft Word or another converter).
  

How to Use:

1. Convert your DOCX files to PDF using Microsoft Word.
   
2. Open PDFsam Basic and select the "Merge" option.
   
3. Add the PDFs and specify the pages you want to include.
   
4. Merge them into a single PDF.
   

Link: PDFsam Basic

3. Foxit PDF Editor
Features:

• Advanced PDF Editing: Extract, merge, and organize pages with ease.
  
• Conversion Tools: Convert DOCX to PDF within the application.
  
• Collaboration Features: Share and collaborate on documents if needed.
  

How to Use:

1. Open Foxit PDF Editor.
   
2. Use the "Organize" tab to extract specific pages from your PDFs.
   
3. Merge the selected pages into a new document.
   
4. Repeat the process for DOCX files by converting them to PDF first.
   

Link: Foxit PDF Editor

4. LiquidText
Features:

• Interactive Annotation: Highlight and extract specific sections from PDFs.
  
• Flexible Workspace: Organize extracted snippets in a customizable workspace.
  
• Cross-File Linking: Connect related notes across different documents.
  

Ideal For:

• Creating interactive and visually organized study notes.
  
• Focusing on key concepts and difficult areas by extracting relevant content.
  

How to Use:

1. Import your PDFs and DOCX files (converted to PDF) into LiquidText.
   
2. Highlight and extract the sections or pages you want to include.
   
3. Arrange them within the LiquidText workspace for easy review.
   

Link: LiquidText

5. Microsoft OneNote
Features:

• Integration with Office Suite: Easily import DOCX and PDF files.
  
• Snipping Tools: Use built-in tools to capture specific sections or pages.
  
• Organizational Features: Create notebooks, sections, and pages to organize your notes.
  

How to Use:

1. Open OneNote and create a new notebook for your study notes.
   
2. Insert PDFs and DOCX files into the notebook.
   
3. Use the "Print to OneNote" feature or the snipping tool to capture specific pages or sections.
   
4. Organize the extracted content within your notebook for easy access and review.
   

Link: Microsoft OneNote

6. Smallpdf (Online Tool)
Features:

• Online Access: Merge, split, and convert PDFs without installing software.
  
• User-Friendly: Simple drag-and-drop interface for quick operations.
  
• Conversion: Convert DOCX to PDF before merging.
  

Limitations:

• File Size Limits: May have restrictions on the size and number of files.
  
• Privacy Concerns: Ensure sensitive documents are handled securely.
  

How to Use:

1. Convert DOCX files to PDF using Smallpdf’s converter.
   
2. Use the "Merge PDF" tool to upload and select specific pages from each PDF.
   
3. Combine them into a single document for your notes.
   

Link: Smallpdf

Additional Tips:

• Batch Conversion: Use tools like Microsoft Word or LibreOffice to batch convert DOCX files to PDF before merging.
  
• Organize Before Merging: Plan which pages or sections you need to include to streamline the merging process.
  
• Backup Originals: Always keep copies of your original documents in case you need to revisit or re-extract content.
  

By utilizing these tools, you can efficiently create a customized set of study notes tailored to your specific needs, focusing on the areas you find most challenging or important.