Reading and analyzing big documents is part of the job for many of us. But it can feel daunting when those documents come in huge PDF files. Digging through hundreds of text pages can quickly waste your time and energy. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
With a few changes in how you approach reading and a little help from AI, reading and analyzing large PDF files has become an entirely different journey in how you absorb information. There are simple ways to speed up the process; you don’t need to be a tech expert to use them.
From smart tools like PDF Copilot to quick tips for info search and speed-reading techniques, we’ll cover tips that can save you time and help you stay focused.
Let AI do the heavy lifting with PDF Copilot
Working with large PDFs on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac just got easier thanks to PDF Copilot.
Your AI assistant built into PDF Expert that helps skip the manual work and jump straight to insights.
Here’s how it works:
- Ask anything. Looking for a specific topic? Instead of trying different keyword variations, just ask Copilot. It finds what you need - even beyond standard search.
- Get explanations. Copilot clarifies confusing parts on the spot.(yes, even specific ones!)
- Extract key takeaways and insights.
- See your annotations in one go. Use the Annotation Summary quick action to get a digest of everything you’ve marked up.
- Jump to the right page. It pulls key answers and gives page references - even highlights the paragraph.
- Ask Copilot to summarize each chapter or section separately for more digestible content breakdowns.
Pro Tip: Use the Translate option from the context menu (available on Mac and iOS, outside of Copilot).
Use smart reading views
If you're working with long PDFs, a few small tweaks can make a big difference.
Try using Thumbnails to quickly preview all pages and jump straight to the one you need.
Need to compare two pages side by side? Split View has you covered.
On iPhone or iPad, switch to Reading Mode - it automatically adjusts the layout to fit your screen, making it much easier to read on the go. And if you’re reading for a while, Dark Mode or Sepia can help reduce eye strain.
Reduce file size for better performance
If a PDF takes forever to open, scroll, or search, the file size might be too large. This can slow down your workflow, especially if you’re using mobile devices.
How to reduce PDF size:
- Use PDF Expert’s Reduce File Size feature to compress your PDF without quality loss.
- Remove extra images or fonts that might be weighing it down.
- Split large documents into smaller chunks using PDF Expert’s Split Tool.
Try speed-reading techniques
You don’t have to read every word to understand a document. Speed-reading techniques can help you move through content faster while staying focused on key points.
Here are a few methods to try:
- Spritz: this technique flashes one word at a time on screen. It trains your brain to read faster without moving your eyes.
- Chunking: instead of reading word by word, try reading in small groups or phrases.
- Avoid Subvocalization: try to stop reading words out loud in your head - it slows you down. Focus on recognizing patterns instead.
You can use AI tools like PDF Copilot to extract summaries and apply speed reading for more efficiency.
Find what you need instantly
The search function (Cmd+F or Ctrl+F) is a basic feature, but not all tools handle large PDFs well.
PDF Expert’s search is fast and reliable - even in heavy documents with complex formatting. It highlights all matches and gets you to the info you need, without the lag.
Stay organized with bookmarks & annotations
Reading faster also means staying organized while you go. Bookmark sections, highlight key takeaways, and add quick notes to come back to later.
PDF Expert has powerful annotation tools that let you:
- Highlight in different colors
- Add sticky notes or comments
- Create bookmarks for quick navigation
It’s a small habit that makes a big difference when you’re working with long documents.
Let your PDF work for you
Big PDFs don’t have to be stressful. With a few smart tools and techniques, you can save time and stay organized, without missing what matters.
Whether using AI summaries, speeding up your reading, or simply reformatting your view, these tips help you work better with even the biggest files.
Get PDF Expert now for free, and experience how fast and intuitive a reading experience can be.
The Readdle Team 
