KernPDF
About KernPDF
KernPDF turns a web article into a clean, readable PDF. It keeps the title, the words and the pictures, and leaves out the ads, menus, pop-ups and "related posts". It's free, there's no sign-up, and it all runs in your web browser, so your articles never leave your device.
Open KernPDF · See the sample article
How do I save a web article as a PDF without the ads?
KernPDF works in four steps, shown along the top of the page: Bring in, Choose what to keep, Style and layout, and Save or print. There are three ways to bring an article in:
- The Send to KernPDF button. Add it to your bookmarks bar once (KernPDF shows you how). Then, on any article, click it and the article opens in KernPDF.
- Save the page from your browser. Press Ctrl + S (Cmd + S on a Mac), choose Webpage, Single File, then drop the file into KernPDF.
- Copy and paste. Select the article, copy it, and paste it into KernPDF.
The first time you visit, a short guide with animations walks you through it. You can open it again at any time with How to use at the top of the page.
Is KernPDF free?
Yes. There's no account, no subscription and no advertising. If it saves you time, you can support it through PayPal, but you never have to.
Are my articles uploaded anywhere?
No. The article, your choices and your PDF are handled by your own browser on your own device. The only exception is pictures: most websites stop other pages reading their pictures, so kernpdf.com fetches a picture by its web address and passes it straight back to your browser. The article itself is never sent. The Privacy Notice has the details.
Why are some pictures missing?
Some websites protect their pictures, or only load them as you scroll. To get every picture:
- scroll to the end of the article before you send, copy or save it, so every picture has loaded;
- use Webpage, Single File when you save a page, because it keeps every picture inside the file.
After an article comes in, click Picture details in the message that appears to see each picture and why any were left out.
What do the PDF styles look like?
There are four: Plain (clean and simple), Journal (coloured title, drop cap, two columns), Academic (centred title, abstract, numbered sections) and Report (cover page and bold headings). You can then change the fonts, text size, columns, margins and page size, or fit the article onto one, two or three pages.
What happens to the links in an article?
They become small numbered notes in the text, with the web addresses listed at the end of the PDF, ready to click. If you'd rather not have them, choose Leave out under Links in the article.
Can it add a citation?
Yes. KernPDF adds a citation line under the title in Harvard or APA style, with the author, date, title, website, web address and the date you accessed it. Check it before you rely on it, as websites don't always say who wrote an article or when.
Can I make the PDF smaller?
Yes. Under Picture quality, choose Smaller file. The pictures are compressed more, which helps when you email the PDF or upload it somewhere with a size limit. The file size is shown under PDF pages.
Can I save my favourite settings?
Yes. Set things up the way you like, then choose Save as preset at the top of step 3, Style and layout. A preset keeps the style, fonts, layout, notes, citation and file naming, and applies them all in one click.
What if I close the tab by accident?
Open KernPDF again and your article comes back where you left it, including your changes. That copy is kept in your browser on your device only. Choose Start over to clear it.
Can I print straight from KernPDF?
Yes. Press Print next to Save PDF, or Ctrl + P. KernPDF prints the finished PDF, not the page you're looking at.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Choose the phone layout using the switch at the top of the page. Copy and paste, saved pages and the sample all work on a phone. The Send to KernPDF button works too, once it's added as a bookmark.
Is there a desktop app?
There's a portable Windows version that doesn't need installing. It can fetch any public page by its web address and save straight into a folder you choose.
Something isn't working. How do I report it?
Click Report a problem at the bottom of KernPDF. It opens an email with the technical details needed to fix the problem, such as your browser and KernPDF version. It never includes the article itself. You can read and change the email before you send it. Or email support@kernpdf.com.
Who makes KernPDF?
KernPDF is a personal project by Jon Coleman. The name comes from kerning, the craft of adjusting the gaps between letters so text reads well. Hence the tagline: Mind the gaps. Keep the words.