Resources · Make integration

PDF.co Make integrationAutomate PDF.co with Make.

Need PDFs created, split or read without opening a single file? The PDF.co Make integration gives you 29 modules: 27 actions and 2 searches, no trigger. This guide is for ops and back-office teams, and it takes you from the connection to a first working scenario.

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What you can automate

What can the PDF.co Make integration do for you?

The PDF.co Make integration lets a Make scenario (the automation you build, a chain of steps) hand your documents to PDF.co and get the result back: a PDF built from HTML or images, a file turned into CSV or JSON, a form filled in, a barcode decoded. Each step is a module, one brick of the scenario, and all 29 modules here are actions or searches.

Quotes that leave as PDFs. When a deal is marked won in your CRM, Convert HTML to PDF turns your quote template into a file and Send Email With Attachments mails it to the client. Sales stops exporting and attaching by hand.

Supplier invoices read for you. A PDF lands in a shared folder, AI Invoice Parser pulls its data out, and the next module writes it into a base; the Airtable Make integration covers that side. Document Classifier can sort mixed inbound files first, so an order never ends up in the invoice path.

Contracts locked before they go out. Merge a PDF assembles the contract and its annexes, Compress and Optimize PDF makes it lighter, and Add Password and Security into PDF protects it for the trip.

What Make does not do here: PDF.co has no trigger, so Make never watches your PDF.co account. Another app, or the schedule on the first module, has to start the scenario. The documentation gives no numeric limit for these modules, but your Make plan limits still apply, such as the 5 MB file cap on the Free plan. If n8n is also on your shortlist, the n8n vs Make comparison sets out the criteria, and Make training helps you build the first flows with guidance.

Connect

How do you connect your PDF.co account to Make?

  1. 01

    Get your API key in PDF.co

    Log in to your PDF.co account, or sign up first if you have none, and copy your API key. That key is what allows Make to act on your account, so keep it out of shared documents and chat threads.

  2. 02

    Add a PDF.co module in Make

    In your scenario, click the +, search for PDF.co and pick a module, Convert HTML to PDF for instance. The module needs a connection before it can do anything: click Create a connection.

  3. 03

    Save the connection

    Give Make the API key you copied and save. The connection, meaning your PDF.co account linked to Make once, now shows in the module, and every other PDF.co module reuses it without asking again.

First scenario

Your first scenario: a quote emailed as a PDF

GoalWhen a deal is won in your CRM, Make turns the quote into a PDF with PDF.co and emails it to the client.

  1. 01

    Create the scenario

    Open the Scenarios page, create a new scenario and click the +. The first module comes from the app that holds your deals, since PDF.co has no trigger of its own.

  2. 02

    Add Convert HTML to PDF

    Click the + to the right of that first module, search PDF.co and choose Convert HTML to PDF. Create the connection, then map the client and deal data from the previous module into the fields.

  3. 03

    Add Send Email With Attachments

    Click the next +, pick Send Email With Attachments, map the client email from the first module and the PDF produced by Convert HTML to PDF as the attachment.

  4. 04

    Test with Run once

    Click Run once with a test deal. Read the bundles each module received (a bundle is one item passed from a module to the next): one deal in, one PDF out, one email sent.

  5. 05

    Schedule and switch on

    On the first module, set the schedule (every 15 minutes by default) and switch the scenario on. Each module run on a bundle is an operation, the unit Make counts on your plan.

Modules

What each PDF.co module does

PDF.co gives you 29 modules in 6 groups. For each one: what it does for you, when to reach for it, and what to watch out for.

Conversion from PDF

2 modules
PDF.co1

Convert from PDF

Action

In MakeConvert PDF pages to structured CSV, XML, JSON, XLS, XLSX, Plain Text, convert PDF to JPG, PDF to PNG, PDF to TIFF.

Turns a PDF into material you can actually work with: CSV, JSON, XML, XLS or XLSX, plain text, or an image in JPG, PNG or TIFF. Tables locked in a report become rows a spreadsheet can take.

When to use it
a partner sends statements as PDFs and someone on your team retypes them into a sheet.
Watch out
choose the output format carefully, because the modules after this one work on that format.
PDF.co2

Convert from PDF into Images

Search

In MakeConvert PDF to JPG or PNG for every selected pdf page or page ranges.

Every selected page, or a page range, comes back as its own JPG or PNG. Since this is a search module, one PDF can produce several bundles, one per image.

When to use it
you need visuals of a product catalog or want to post a single page of a brochure.
Watch out
each image then goes through the next modules separately, and every one of those runs counts as an operation.

Conversion into PDF

3 modules
PDF.co3

Convert into PDF

Action

In MakeConvert documents, spreadsheets, presentations, emails, single images to PDF.

Office files show up in every format; this module gives you just one. Documents, spreadsheets, presentations, emails or a single image come out as a PDF, ready to archive or send.

When to use it
a client drops a Word proposal or an Excel quote and your archive only keeps PDFs.
Watch out
to combine several images into one file, Convert from Images into PDF is the better pick.
PDF.co4

Convert from Images into PDF

Action

In MakeCreates PDF from a one or more JPEG, PNG or TIFF images.

Builds one PDF out of one or more JPEG, PNG or TIFF images. Scanned pages or phone photos of receipts end up in a single tidy file.

When to use it
a field technician sends photos of a signed delivery note and accounting wants one document.
Watch out
if the photos arrive as separate bundles, group them first with an aggregator, the Make tool that gathers bundles into one.
PDF.co5

Convert HTML to PDF

Action

In MakeConvert HTML code to PDF, HTML template to PDF or URL to PDF.

Produces a clean PDF from HTML code, from an HTML template, or from the URL of a web page. The layout of your quote or certificate lives in HTML, and each run fills it with fresh data.

When to use it
quotes, receipts or attendance certificates generated from data held in another app.
Watch out
test with Run once on real records, since a long client name can break a layout that looked fine with sample text.

PDF

14 modules
PDF.co6

Merge a PDF

Action

In MakeMerges multiple PDF files into one PDF. Also supports doc, docx, rtf, txt, xls, xlsx, csv, jpg, png and zip as input in Advanced mode.

Several PDFs become one file. In Advanced mode the module also accepts doc, docx, rtf, txt, xls, xlsx, csv, jpg, png and zip files as input, so a mixed pile can still end up as a single PDF.

When to use it
assembling a contract with its annexes, or a tender response written by several departments.
Watch out
the files have to reach the module together, so collect them before this step.
PDF.co7

Split a PDF

Search

In MakePDF Splitter that takes PDF file and splits into multiple PDF files using page index, page range, text search or barcode search.

Cuts one PDF into several files, by page index, page range, text search or barcode search. As a search module, it hands back one bundle per piece.

When to use it
your scanner produces one long PDF for a whole stack of forms, with a barcode sheet between each form.
Watch out
every piece travels on its own through the rest of the scenario, so later modules run once per piece.
PDF.co8

Add Text, Images, and Form Fields to a PDF

ActionIn the docs only

Going by its name, this one places text, images and form fields on an existing PDF in a single pass. The Make documentation lists it without a description, so open its fields in the editor before you rely on it.

When to use it
a logo, a note and a field to fill have to land on the same document.
Watch out
for text and images only, Add Text and Images to a PDF is the simpler choice.
PDF.co9

Get a PDF Document Information

ActionIn the docs only

Its name says it reads what a PDF knows about itself. The documentation gives no description, so a Run once on a sample file is the way to see what it returns before you map anything.

When to use it
before a split or a merge, when the next step depends on the document.
Watch out
Get PDF Information is documented in more detail, so try that one first if it covers your need.
PDF.co10

Parse a Document

Action

In MakeUse PDF.co Document Parser, built-in and custom extraction templates to automatically read invoices, reports, orders, statements and other documents with fields and tables.

Reads invoices, reports, orders and statements and pulls out their fields and tables, using the built-in extraction templates of PDF.co or a custom one. You get structured data instead of a page to read.

When to use it
documents from the same sender always share a layout and you want the same values every time.
Watch out
when a sender changes its layout, run the template again with Run once before trusting the output.
PDF.co11

Document Classifier

Action

In MakeAnalyzing text of input document using AI and returns its class (invoice, order, industry etc). Can also use custom rules. Useful for quickly finding where this source document came from.

Answers a simple question: what kind of document just arrived? PDF.co analyzes the text with AI and returns a class, such as invoice, order or an industry, and you can add rules of your own.

When to use it
one mailbox receives everything and each type of file needs a different next step.
Watch out
the class comes from reading the text, so plan a path for files that match none of the classes you expect.
PDF.co12

Fill a PDF Form

Action

In MakeFills a PDF form.

Writes your data into an existing PDF form, so every field is completed without anyone typing. The official form keeps its official layout, just filled in.

When to use it
administrative or customs forms that must be sent in their original format, with values taken from your CRM or a sheet.
Watch out
the PDF needs form fields; to add them first, look at Create Fillable PDF Form.
PDF.co13

Add Password and Security into PDF

Action

In MakeAdds password and security to a PDF document.

Puts a password and security settings on a PDF before it leaves your hands, so a payslip or a contract stays protected on its way through email.

When to use it
HR documents, signed contracts or anything personal that goes out automatically.
Watch out
the recipient needs the password too; send it through a different channel than the file itself.
PDF.co14

Remove Password and Security from PDF

Action

In MakeRemoves the password and security from a PDF document.

Lifts the password and security from a PDF so the next modules can work on it. Protected files would otherwise block a merge, a parse or a text search.

When to use it
a bank or a partner sends protected statements that you are allowed to process.
Watch out
the unlocked copy is no longer protected, so pay attention to where the scenario stores it.
PDF.co15

Compress and Optimize PDF

Action

In MakeOptimize PDF document to reduce its size.

Optimizes a PDF to reduce its size, so it travels lighter to an inbox, a portal or a storage folder.

When to use it
right before an email or an upload, when the file is too heavy for the place it is going.
Watch out
the Make Free plan caps files at 5 MB, so putting this module early can help the rest of the scenario stay under that limit.
PDF.co16

Search Text in PDF

Action

In MakeSearch text inside PDF. Supports scanned PDF as well.

Looks for a word or a phrase inside a PDF, scanned documents included, and returns what it finds. It is the check you run before deciding what happens to a file.

When to use it
spotting contracts that mention a given clause or client reference before filing them.
Watch out
despite the name, it is an action on one PDF at a time; it does not browse your stored files.
PDF.co17

Search and Replace Text in PDF

Action

In MakeSearch and replace found Text inside PDF

Swaps one piece of text for another directly inside the PDF, without going back to the source file. A wrong date or an old address gets corrected where it sits.

When to use it
a template PDF where only the client name and the reference change from one send to the next.
Watch out
check the result with Run once, as a much longer replacement may not fit the same space.
PDF.co18

Search and Delete Found Text in PDF

Action

In MakeRemove found Text inside PDF

Finds a given text in a PDF and removes it. An internal code or a line meant for colleagues never reaches the client.

When to use it
sharing a document outside the company when it still carries internal notes or references.
Watch out
the output file no longer contains that text, so keep the original stored somewhere before this step.
PDF.co19

Search and Replace With Image in PDF

Action

In MakeSearch text inside PDF and replace with Image

Places an image where a piece of text used to be. A placeholder word in your template becomes a signature, a stamp or a logo.

When to use it
contracts where a text marker shows the spot for a signature image.
Watch out
pick a marker that appears nowhere else in the document, otherwise the image may show up in several places.

Barcode

2 modules
PDF.co20

Generate a Barcode

Action

In MakeGenerates high quality printable and scannable barcodes as images or PDF. Supports QR Code, Code 39, Code 128, Datamatrix, PDF417, UPC, EAN and many others!

Creates printable, scannable barcodes as an image or a PDF. QR Code, Code 39, Code 128, Datamatrix, PDF417, UPC and EAN are among the supported formats.

When to use it
a label for each new order, or a QR code that points to a tracking page.
Watch out
check which format your scanner or your carrier reads before you pick one.
PDF.co21

Read a Barcode

Action

In MakeRead barcodes from images, tiff, pdf documents, scanned documents. All popular types of barcodes are supported from Code 39, Code 128 to QR Code, Datamatrix and PDF417. Supports noisy and damaged barcodes, scans, pdf, documents.

Decodes barcodes found in images, TIFF files, PDFs and scans, noisy or damaged codes included. Code 39, Code 128, QR Code, Datamatrix and PDF417 are all covered.

When to use it
scanned delivery notes carry a QR code with the order number and you want it read without a handheld scanner.
Watch out
a page can hold several codes, so look at what comes back with Run once before mapping it.

Other

4 modules
PDF.co22

Upload a File

Action

In MakeUploads a file into temporary storage for use with PDF.co.

Places a file in the temporary storage of PDF.co so other PDF.co modules can work on it. Think of it as the handoff between the app that holds the file and PDF.co.

When to use it
the file comes from another app earlier in the scenario and the next PDF.co module needs it on the PDF.co side.
Watch out
that storage is temporary, so never treat it as an archive.
PDF.co23

Make pdfco API Call

Action

In MakePerforms an arbitrary authorized API call to pdfco.

Sends an authorized request of your choice to PDF.co, reusing the connection you already set up. It reaches whatever the other modules leave uncovered.

When to use it
a feature listed in the PDF.co API documentation has no dedicated module in Make.
Watch out
you write the request yourself, so keep the PDF.co API documentation open while you build it.
PDF.co24

Send Email With Attachments

Action

In MakeSends an email with attachments.

Sends an email with files attached, straight from PDF.co. The document you just produced goes out without passing through another mail app.

When to use it
the last step of a scenario that builds a quote, a certificate or a report for someone outside the team.
Watch out
map the attachment from the module that created the file, or the email leaves with nothing attached.
PDF.co25

Job Check

Action

In MakeChecks the status of a PDF.co job by id. Use `Async For Large Docs` mode with PDF processing modules to create an async job first.

Reports where a PDF.co job stands, using its id. It pairs with the Async For Large Docs mode of the PDF processing modules, which starts a job instead of waiting for the result.

When to use it
large documents that you send through a processing module in async mode.
Watch out
the processing module has to run in Async For Large Docs mode first; without a job id, there is nothing to check.

Other modules

4 modules
PDF.co26

Add Text and Images to a PDF

Action

In MakeAdds text and images to a PDF document.

Writes text and places images on an existing PDF. A paid stamp, a date or a logo appears on the page without touching the source file.

When to use it
marking invoices as received, or adding a filing reference before storing them.
Watch out
if you also need form fields, Add Text, Images, and Form Fields to a PDF handles all three in its name.
PDF.co27

AI Invoice Parser

Action

In MakeTransform your invoice processing with our advanced AI. Enjoy quick, accurate data extraction that eliminates manual effort and saves you valuable time.

Hands an invoice to the AI of PDF.co and gets its data back, ready for the next module. Nobody has to key invoices into a sheet or an accounting tool any more.

When to use it
supplier invoices arrive by email or in a shared folder and currently get typed in by hand.
Watch out
run it on a few real invoices with Run once and read the bundles before trusting the output.
PDF.co28

Create Fillable PDF Form

Action

In MakeAdds form fields to a PDF document.

Adds form fields to a PDF so it becomes a form people can complete on screen. A static document stops being printed, filled by hand and scanned back.

When to use it
an onboarding sheet or an order form you still send as a flat PDF.
Watch out
once the fields exist, Fill a PDF Form can complete them from your own data.
PDF.co29

Get PDF Information

Action

In MakeExtract information from a PDF document such as page count, page size, author, description, keywords and also any form field information.

Extracts the facts about a PDF: page count, page size, author, description, keywords and any form field information. Your scenario can then decide based on the document itself.

When to use it
sending short files one way and long ones another, or checking that a form has the expected fields before filling it.
Watch out
it describes the file without reading its text; for content, use Search Text in PDF or Convert from PDF.
Need help

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FAQ

PDF.co and Make: common questions

01Is the PDF.co Make integration free?
Yes, on the Make side. PDF.co is a standard app, available from the Free plan. That plan allows 2 active scenarios, runs them no more often than every 15 minutes, stops a run after 5 minutes, accepts files up to 5 MB and caps data transfer at 512 MB. Paid plans (Core, Pro, Teams and Enterprise) bring the interval down to 1 minute and allow 40 minutes per run. Your PDF.co account is separate, with its own terms.
02What do you need to connect PDF.co to Make?
A PDF.co account and its API key; the documentation lists no other prerequisite. Sign up on PDF.co if you have no account yet, copy the API key, then add any PDF.co module in Make, click Create a connection and give it the key. That single connection is reused by all 29 modules, so you do this once per account. Keep the key private, since it is what lets Make act on your PDF.co account.
03Can PDF.co start a Make scenario in real time?
No. PDF.co has no trigger module, so it cannot start a scenario by itself. Two ways around it: put an instant trigger from another app first, such as the app where your files arrive, and that app calls Make through a webhook as soon as something happens. Or start from a scheduled module and let the scenario run on its schedule, every 15 minutes by default. The Free plan keeps that interval at 15 minutes minimum; paid plans go down to 1 minute.
04What if the PDF.co module you need is missing in Make?
Check the 29 modules first: conversion, merge and split, forms, security, text search, barcodes and parsing cover most document jobs. For large files, the processing modules offer an Async For Large Docs mode, and Job Check follows the job through its id. For a PDF.co feature with no dedicated module, Make pdfco API Call sends the request through your existing connection. If the task falls outside what PDF.co does, another document app in Make may handle it. When nothing fits, the team can look at your case and suggest a way to build it.
05Make or n8n for PDF.co: which one should you pick?
It depends mostly on the tool your team already builds in. On Make, PDF.co comes with 29 ready modules and a connection based on an API key, which this page walks through step by step. Many apps also have an n8n node, so check whether the PDF.co operations you need exist there before switching. Compare the exact modules you would use on each side rather than the brand, and keep your automations in one place when you can.