4 ways to make ChatGPT read PDF files

ChatGPT is an incredibly powerful tool that can do amazing things with text. It can summarize articles, advise on article structure and content, compose emails, and more.

However, the tool can be clumsy when dealing with file formats like PDF . This can be difficult if you want ChatGPT to work with PDF content. If you are having trouble getting ChatGPT to read PDF files, here are some easy ways to do it.

1. Provide URL for ChatGPT

ChatGPT can reference URLs that you provide. This means that if a PDF file is online, it is extremely easy for ChatGPT to reference it. A URL is a web address that consists of 5 main components. We won’t go into details here, all you need to know is the web address of the PDF file you want to reference.

For example, let's say you're studying the United States Constitution and need to summarize certain sections. If you find a PDF online, it's easy to use ChatGPT to summarize the content.

Let's say you want a summary of Article 1, sections 1 through 4. Given the document URL, you can prompt ChatGPT to summarize these sections.

4 ways to make ChatGPT read PDF files
Response to PDF query on United States constitution

ChatGPT will then clearly summarize the key points on the requested pages. One thing to note here is that there are limitations to ChatGPT's prompts and responses, especially when dealing with complex requests. So for larger documents, it is advisable to break the task into smaller chunks.

2. Copy text from PDF file

If you have a copy of the PDF file on your computer, the easiest way is to simply copy the text you need from the PDF file. The example below opened a PDF copy of a MakeUseOf article about query generation techniques on ChatGPT. I used Microsoft Edge to open the file, then highlighted the relevant text and copied it to the clipboard.

4 ways to make ChatGPT read PDF files
Copy text from a PDF file opened in Microsoft Edge

The text can then be pasted into the ChatGPT prompt and the desired result achieved. In this case, for example, asking the tool to bullet points in the text.

4 ways to make ChatGPT read PDF files
ChatGPT summarizes copied text

As you can see, ChatGPT will easily respond to prompts by pasting text into them. Just remember not to ask too many things in one request. This technique will work with most applications that can open PDF files.

3. Convert PDF files to text documents

Ultimately, ChatGPT will do a great job of reading text, because at the core of every AI chatbot is a large language model (LLM). LLM is a massive database of text that AI chatbots reference to provide human-like responses. While PDFs contain text, they are not easily editable, which makes it difficult to work with this format in ChatGPT. But converting the document to a more manageable format is easy.

There are a number of ways to do this, including converting a PDF file to a Word document using Google Drive. There are also a number of online PDF editors, many of which will allow you to convert a PDF to text.

However, if you have Microsoft Word or a similar word processor installed, you can simply open the file and save it as a text document or Word document. The following steps will guide you through the process of doing this in Word:

1. Open Word and use the Open command and browse to the folder where the document is stored.

2. If the document does not appear, use the file type drop-down box and select PDF Files from the options.

4 ways to make ChatGPT read PDF files
Word opens PDF files

3. When you open the file you will be asked to convert the document, click OK to continue.

4 ways to make ChatGPT read PDF files
Convert PDF in Word

4. Word will now convert and open the file, you can use the Save As command to save it as a Word or text document as desired.

Once the conversion is complete, you can copy the text directly into ChatGPT and run the prompt on it to get the desired result.

4. Install and use the extension

4 ways to make ChatGPT read PDF files
ChatGPT File Uploader

Unfortunately, at this time, ChatGPT does not include a way to automatically upload PDF files, or any files for that matter. Sure, you can copy text from a PDF or convert it to a text document, but is there a simpler way to do that? Fortunately, there is. One of the easiest ways to get ChatGPT to read PDF files is to simply install and use the extension.

ChatGPT File Uploader is a free Chrome extension that allows you to upload any file, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, image files, and of course PDF files. What makes this method great is that it is incredibly easy to use.

The steps are simple - install ChatGPT File Uploader on your browser, open ChatGPT and you will see a shiny new Upload button next to the notification bar at the bottom. From there, all you have to do is press the button and select the PDF you want to upload.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek

Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek

DeepSeek initially had high hopes. As an AI chatbot marketed as a strong competitor to ChatGPT, it promised intelligent conversational capabilities and experiences.

ChatGPT Starts Adding Google Drive Integration, But Not for Everyone

ChatGPT Starts Adding Google Drive Integration, But Not for Everyone

ChatGPT has started adding support for Google Drive integration but this feature is not available to all users.

Each ChatGPT reply consumes an average of 2.5 Wh of electricity.

Each ChatGPT reply consumes an average of 2.5 Wh of electricity.

OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot uses more than half a million kWh of electricity every day, 17,241 times more than the average US household (about 29 kWh/day).

Why use Llama 3.2 instead of ChatGPT?

Why use Llama 3.2 instead of ChatGPT?

Amidst all the AI ​​hype, Llama 3.2 is a gentle option that pays attention to the finer details and it's time you switched to this tool.

5 AI Tools to Help You Write Your First Song

5 AI Tools to Help You Write Your First Song

The following tools will create a quick sketch to inspire or even help you create a complete track.

Apple: Siri Isnt Really Ready to Beat ChatGPT

Apple: Siri Isnt Really Ready to Beat ChatGPT

With the launch of the new generation iPad Mini, Apple has clearly affirmed that “AI-filled” software experiences are the way the company is heading in the future.

What makes ChatGPTs search feature superior to Perplexity?

What makes ChatGPTs search feature superior to Perplexity?

While Perplexity has been reliable for a long time, ChatGPT's new capabilities have users slowly returning to the original Generative AI chatbot.

15 Things You Can Do With ChatGPT

15 Things You Can Do With ChatGPT

Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT has received a lot of attention for its myriad uses. To help you get the most out of this tool, here are 15 ways you can use ChatGPT.

How to Use Canva and ChatGPT to Create Mass Content Designs

How to Use Canva and ChatGPT to Create Mass Content Designs

Along with ChatGPT, this tutorial will show you how the Bulk Create app works in Canva. You'll be amazed at how you can create a month's worth of content in just a few minutes.

ChatGPT May Be Running Silently on Your Phone and How to Fix It

ChatGPT May Be Running Silently on Your Phone and How to Fix It

Background Conversations keep a user's conversation with ChatGPT going while using other apps or when the screen is off. This means ChatGPT can listen or monitor a user's phone usage behavior 24/7.

4 Ways to Use ChatGPTs Canvas Mode

4 Ways to Use ChatGPTs Canvas Mode

ChatGPT's new Canvas mode adds a new dimension to writing and editing in the world's leading Generative AI engine.

ChatGPT Will Kill These 4 Types of Websites

ChatGPT Will Kill These 4 Types of Websites

AI chatbots are completely reshaping the way users interact with websites and making some types of websites obsolete in the process.

The first person to have ChatGPT implanted in the brain to help manipulate electronic devices

The first person to have ChatGPT implanted in the brain to help manipulate electronic devices

ChatGPT is being tested by Synchron, one of the pioneers of brain implant (BCI) chips to help patients manipulate electronic devices.

ChatGPT will soon be able to see everything happening on your screen

ChatGPT will soon be able to see everything happening on your screen

One important thing in the full event video was that the upcoming ChatGPT app feature was demoed but no real details were shared. That is, ChatGPT's ability to see everything that's happening on the user's device screen.

7 Ways ChatGPTs Image Import Function Helps You Solve Everyday Problems

7 Ways ChatGPTs Image Import Function Helps You Solve Everyday Problems

Did you know ChatGPT can see images? By using the image import function, it can analyze images and help you solve daily challenges seamlessly.

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Smart TVs have really taken the world by storm. With so many great features and the ability to connect to the Internet, technology has changed the way we watch TV.

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Refrigerators are familiar appliances in families. Refrigerators usually have 2 compartments, the cool compartment is spacious and has a light that automatically turns on every time the user opens it, while the freezer compartment is narrow and has no light.

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi networks are affected by many factors beyond routers, bandwidth, and interference, but there are some smart ways to boost your network.

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

If you want to go back to stable iOS 16 on your phone, here is the basic guide to uninstall iOS 17 and downgrade from iOS 17 to 16.

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

Yogurt is a great food. Is it good to eat yogurt every day? What will happen to your body when you eat yogurt every day? Let's find out together!

Which type of rice is best for health?

Which type of rice is best for health?

This article discusses the most nutritious types of rice and how to maximize the health benefits of whichever rice you choose.

How to wake up on time in the morning

How to wake up on time in the morning

Establishing a sleep schedule and bedtime routine, changing your alarm clock, and adjusting your diet are some of the measures that can help you sleep better and wake up on time in the morning.

Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners

Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners

Rent Please! Landlord Sim is a simulation mobile game on iOS and Android. You will play as a landlord of an apartment complex and start renting out an apartment with the goal of upgrading the interior of your apartments and getting them ready for rent.

Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes

Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes

Get Bathroom Tower Defense Roblox game codes and redeem them for exciting rewards. They will help you upgrade or unlock towers with higher damage.

Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers

Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers

Let's learn about the structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers in the most accurate way.

4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better

4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better

From better picture and sound quality to voice control and more, these AI-powered features are making smart TVs so much better!

Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek

Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek

DeepSeek initially had high hopes. As an AI chatbot marketed as a strong competitor to ChatGPT, it promised intelligent conversational capabilities and experiences.

Meet Fireflies.ai: The Free AI Secretary That Saves You Hours of Work

Meet Fireflies.ai: The Free AI Secretary That Saves You Hours of Work

It's easy to miss important details when you're jotting down other essentials, and trying to take notes while chatting can be distracting. Fireflies.ai is the solution.

How to raise Axolotl Minecraft, tame Minecraft Salamander

How to raise Axolotl Minecraft, tame Minecraft Salamander

Axolot Minecraft will be a great assistant for players when operating underwater if they know how to use them.

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead PC Game Configuration

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead PC Game Configuration

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead's configuration is rated quite highly, so you will need to consider the configuration before deciding to download.