A good PDF workflow turns dense pages into short prompts you can review quickly. Focus on high-value concepts, keep answers short, and review on a schedule.
Key takeaways
- Text-based PDFs work best. Run OCR on scans first.
- Highlight definitions, formulas, and steps before you make cards.
- Keep decks small so reviews stay fast.
Start with the right source
PDFs that contain selectable text are the easiest to process. If your file is a scan, run OCR so the text is readable. Make sure headings and sections are clear before you begin.
Extract the highest-value material
- Definitions: Terms and their precise meanings.
- Formulas: Include what each variable represents.
- Processes: Ordered steps or checklists.
- Comparisons: Similar ideas with key differences.
- Common pitfalls: Mistakes that show up on exams.
Turn notes into cards
- Write a clear prompt: "What is X?" or "When do you use Y?"
- Keep the back short: One definition or rule.
- Split long points: Two facts should be two cards.
Quality check before you study
- Trim any answer longer than a short sentence.
- Remove duplicates and near-duplicates.
- Make sure every question is unambiguous.
Keep deck sizes manageable
Start with 20-40 cards for a topic. If a PDF is large, split it by chapter or unit so review sessions stay under 20 minutes.
Review schedule
Review new cards daily for the first week, then move to every few days. Consistent short sessions beat long cramming sessions.
Wrap up
PDFs are dense, but a clean workflow makes them manageable. Focus on the most testable material and keep your cards short.
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