How It Works

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100% Local Processing

Your privacy is our priority. Unlike cloud-based converters, pdf.tomake.design processes everything entirely on your machine. All PDF parsing, rendering, and conversion happens in your browser using advanced client-side technology. This means:

• Instant processing without network delays
• No storage of your files on external servers
• No privacy concerns with confidential documents
• Works offline once the plugin is loaded

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The conversion process

pdf.tomake.design uses advanced local PDF parsing and parallel processing to convert documents into editable Figma designs. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

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1. Local PDF analysis

When you select a PDF, the plugin (running in your browser):

• Parses the PDF structure and metadata locally
• Identifies pages and dimensions
• Detects text content and fonts
• Locates embedded images
• Analyzes vector graphics
• Maps layers and z-index

All of this happens on your machine — no data leaves your computer.

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2. Parallel processing

Our optimized rendering pipeline uses parallel processing to handle multiple pages simultaneously:

• Pages are processed in parallel for blazing-fast conversion
• Complex graphics are rendered efficiently
• Multi-page documents convert quickly
• You see real-time progress as pages complete

This means even large, complex PDFs convert in seconds, not minutes.

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3. Three conversion modes

Depending on your selected mode, the plugin converts your PDF differently:

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4. Figma integration

The converted content is organized into Figma:

• Frames: One frame per PDF page
• Text layers: Editable text (in Vector mode)
• Images: Embedded images as Figma fills
• Vector shapes: Native Figma paths (in Vector mode)
• Groups: Organized hierarchy matching PDF structure

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5. Local optimization

The plugin optimizes content for Figma (all locally):

• Scales content to appropriate size
• Optimizes image resolution
• Simplifies complex vectors when needed
• Removes invisible elements
• Organizes layer hierarchy

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What gets converted

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✅ Fully supported

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⚠️ Partially supported

• Complex vectors: Very complex paths may be simplified
• Special fonts: Custom fonts must be installed in Figma
• Interactive elements: Forms and buttons convert to static elements
• Annotations: Comments and markups may not convert
• 3D effects: Rendered as 2D representation

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❌ Not supported

• Encrypted PDFs: Password-protected files (must be unlocked first)
• JavaScript: Interactive PDF features
• Video/Audio: Embedded media files
• External links: Hyperlinks are not preserved
• Form functionality: Forms convert to visual elements only

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Text handling options

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Editable text

How it works:

• Preserves text as Figma text layers
• Matches fonts when available
• Maintains text properties

Pros:

• Fully editable in Figma
• Easy to change content
• Searchable text

Cons:

• Font must be installed in Figma
• Slight layout shifts possible
• May need font substitution

Best for:

• Documents you need to edit
• Presentations
• Text-heavy content

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Outlined text

How it works:

• Converts text to vector shapes
• Preserves exact visual appearance
• No font matching required

Pros:

• Exact appearance preserved
• No font installation needed
• Consistent across devices

Cons:

• Not editable as text
• Larger file size
• Can’t change content easily

Best for:

• Logos and branding
• Artistic text effects
• When exact appearance is critical

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Flattened text

How it works:

• Renders text as part of rasterized images
• Fastest conversion method
• No text extraction

Pros:

• Fastest import speed
• Smallest file size
• Always looks identical

Cons:

• Not editable at all
• Lower quality when scaled
• Becomes pixelated

Best for:

• Quick previews
• Reference materials
• When editing isn’t needed

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Resolution options

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Standard (72 DPI)

• Use case: Web designs, prototypes, quick conversions
• File size: Smallest
• Import speed: Fastest
• Quality: Good for screen viewing

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High (150 DPI)

• Use case: General design work, presentations
• File size: Medium
• Import speed: Moderate
• Quality: High quality for most purposes

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Print (300 DPI)

• Use case: Print materials, high-fidelity designs
• File size: Largest
• Import speed: Slowest
• Quality: Highest, suitable for print

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Quality optimization

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High-fidelity conversion

We optimize for:

• Layout accuracy: Pages match PDF within 1-2px
• Font matching: Uses same fonts when available
• Color precision: Exact RGB/CMYK conversion
• Image quality: High-resolution extraction
• Vector quality: Precise path conversion

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Performance considerations

• File size: Complex PDFs create larger Figma files
• Layer count: Multi-element pages may have hundreds of layers
• Processing time:
  • Simple pages: 5-10 seconds
  • Complex pages: 20-30 seconds
  • High DPI: 2-3x longer processing

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Best practices

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Technical details

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Supported PDF versions

• PDF 1.0 through 2.0
• PDF/A (archival format)
• PDF/X (print production)

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File size limits

• Maximum PDF size: 50MB
• Recommended size: Under 20MB
• Large files: Split into multiple PDFs first

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Supported content

• Vector graphics
• Raster images (JPEG, PNG, TIFF)
• Embedded fonts
• ICC color profiles
• Transparency
• Gradients and patterns

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Limitations

• Encrypted PDFs must be unlocked first
• Very large pages (>200 inches) may be scaled
• Some specialty fonts may not render correctly
• Complex transparency effects may be simplified

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Next steps

Explore features

Learn about all available features and capabilities