How to Crop a PDF on PC and Online

Knowing how to crop a PDF document can be a crucial skill when you need to remove unwanted margins, focus on specific content, or optimize the layout for printing or sharing.

Icecream PDF Editor, a versatile and user-friendly free PDF editing software, simplifies this process, allowing you to effortlessly adjust the dimensions of your file pages.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of cropping a PDF, ensuring you can achieve your desired results quickly and efficiently.

How to crop a PDF on Windows

Icecream PDF Editor combines a range of features that make it a powerful application for both basic and advanced PDF editing tasks. Its combination of powerful tools, intuitive interface, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses looking to streamline their PDF workflows.

Follow these steps to clip your PDF.

Step 1: Download and install the free PDF editor

If you haven't already, download PDF cropper from the official website and set up the software. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Download and install the Icecream PDF Editor

Step 2: Open the file

Launch the Free PDF editor for Windows by double-clicking its icon or selecting this option from the "Start" menu. Once the PDF editing software is running, hit "Open" in the main window to add a PDF. Select the file you want to crop from your computer and press "Open" again.

Open the file in the PDF cropper tool of Icecream PDF Editor

Step 3: Select the PDF cropper tool

When your PDF is on the screen, go to the toolbar at the top of the window. Hit the "Manage pages" tab to access the clipping feature. Choose "Crop PDF".

Select the cropping tool in Icecream PDF Editor

Step 4: Define the area

A rectangular selection box will appear, allowing you to adjust the dimensions and position as needed. You can fine-tune the crop area by dragging the edges or corners of the selection box.

Define the area for cropping PDF in Icecream PDF Editor

Step 5: Apply the crop

In the "Apply to page(s)" field enter the page numbers, if you want to crop specific PDF pages at once. To cut all PDF pages simultaneously, check the corresponding box. After adjusting the settings, tap the "Crop PDF" button.

Crop pages in PDF in Icecream PDF Editor

The selected area will be retained, and the rest of the document will be removed.

Step 6: Save the PDF

Once you are satisfied with the result, go to the "File" menu at the top-left corner of the window. Select "Save" or "Save As" to get the cropped PDF on your computer.

Save the cropped PDF in Icecream PDF Editor

Bonus: Online PDF cropper

PDF Candy is a versatile online service designed for working with various documents. It provides a wide range of PDF tools, including editing, converting, merging, and more.

How to crop a PDF using PDF Candy website

  1. Go to the PDF Candy website.
  2. Upload your document by clicking the "Add file" button or dragging and dropping it into the interface.
  3. Move and resize the selection box to fit your desired section of the page.
  4. Hit "Crop PDF" to finalize the changes. Once the process is complete, download the cropped PDF to your device.
Cut PDF online with PDF Candy website

Pros:

  • Best free PDF editor for basic tasks.
  • Simple and user-friendly interface.
  • Accessible online without the need for installation.

Cons:

  • Requires an internet connection.

FAQ on how to crop a PDF

Can I undo a crop if I make a mistake?
If you accidentally do something wrong, use the "Undo" button or press Ctrl + Z to revert the crop and try again.
Will cropping a PDF affect the file size?
Clipping a PDF usually does not significantly decrease the size of the document. The actual data beyond the cut area is still stored in the file. For significant file size reduction, consider compressing the PDF.
What happens to the cropped content?
The data outside the cropped area is removed from view and not included in the PDF. However, the content for the entire page may still be part of the file unless specifically deleted.
Does cropping a document corrupt embedded links or bookmarks?
No, generally it does not affect any elements. However, if you crop too close to them, it may alter their appearance or functionality. Always check interactive elements after cropping.

Conclusion

Cropping a PDF with Icecream PDF Editor is a practical and efficient way to refine your document by removing unnecessary content and focusing on key information.

By following the steps in this guide, you can easily change the dimensions of your PDFs. Whether you're looking to optimize your documents for printing, highlight specific sections, or simply clean up your files choose our free app.

Tamal Das

Expert Tech Writer

Tamal is a tech writer at Icecream Apps. After completing his MS in Science, he joined reputed IT consultancy companies to acquire hands-on knowledge of IT technologies. Now, he’s a professional content writer of B2B and B2C software products and also a meticulous software reviewer whose reviews on applications and web apps have been published in reputed technology websites. He has already been published on such reputable sites like MakeUseOf, Geekflare, AddictiveTips. When he’s not writing, he researches the internet and technology journals to stay updated about the latest happenings in the SaaS industry.
3 min read
Related articles:
Mastering PDF annotation is essential for efficiently managing digital files. Tasks like adding notes or highlighting a PDF, aid in ...
1,598
PDF documents have become a staple for sharing and storing information. This format is supposed to be viewed only, so many people wonder how ...
15,517
Knowing how to fill out a PDF form is a need when building resume for applying for jobs, school, or foreign country visas. Many editors ...
8,369