Guides and how-tos
Plain-English guides to compress PDFs, convert photos and video, work out taxes and loans, and stay safe online. Each one links to a free tool that does the job.
How to Compress a PDF Without Losing QualityWhy PDFs get huge and how to shrink them for email or upload while keeping text sharp. Simple steps, target sizes and what to avoid.Read the guide →How to Open and Convert HEIC Photos on Windows, Mac and the WebiPhone photos saved as HEIC will not open everywhere. Learn what HEIC is and how to convert it to JPG for free in seconds.Read the guide →VAT vs Sales Tax: What Is the Difference?VAT, GST and sales tax explained in plain English: who collects them, how they are calculated and how to work out the price with and without tax.Read the guide →How to Merge PDF Files for Free (No Software)Combine several PDFs into one document in your browser. Reorder pages, avoid watermarks and keep your files private.Read the guide →How to Make a Strong Password (and Remember It)What makes a password strong, why length beats complexity, and a simple system with a password manager that actually works.Read the guide →How to Count the Days Between Two Dates (Including Working Days)Count days between dates by hand or with a calculator, with or without the end date, and find the number of working days.Read the guide →How to Reduce Photo File Size for Email and WebsitesMake photos small enough to email or upload without ruining them. Learn the right dimensions, quality settings and formats.Read the guide →How to Calculate a Mortgage Payment (With Example)The formula behind a monthly mortgage payment, a worked example and how deposit, rate and term change what you pay.Read the guide →How Compound Interest Works (With a Simple Example)Understand compound interest, the formula, the effect of monthly deposits and the Rule of 72, with a clear worked example.Read the guide →How to Convert a Video to MP3 (Extract Audio for Free)Turn an MP4 or other video into an MP3 audio file in your browser. Steps, quality settings and tips for podcasts, lectures and music.Read the guide →