The Fastest Way to Convert Your PDF to highlights
Learn how to use AI to convert any PDF to highlights instantly. Streamline your studying with Duetoday's automated note-taking and summarization tools.
PDF to highlights: How to Extract Key Insights Instantly
Turning a massive PDF to highlights is the most efficient way to master complex material without spending hours reading every single line. If you are a student or a busy professional, learning how to convert a PDF to highlights effectively will save you dozens of hours every month.
Duetoday makes this process seamless by using AI to scan your documents and pull out the most important concepts, definitions, and conclusions automatically. Instead of manual highlighting, you can let the AI do the heavy lifting for you.
TL;DR:
Upload your PDF to Duetoday to instantly generate a summary and key highlights.
Customise the level of detail to focus on specific chapters or concepts.
Turn those highlights into flashcards or quizzes for active recall.
How to do PDF to highlights in Duetoday (step-by-step)
Create your Duetoday account: Sign up or log in to your dashboard to access your study workspace.
Upload your document: Click the 'Upload' button and select the PDF you want to turn into highlights.
Select the focus area: If your PDF is long, use the 'Select Pages' tool to highlight specific chapters or sections.
Choose your output style: Before processing, select whether you want core highlights, bulleted lists, or a structured study guide.
Rename your headings: Ensure the AI knows how to categorize the information by giving your upload a clear, descriptive title.
Split chapters: For textbooks, use the split feature so the AI generates highlights for each chapter individually rather than one giant block.
Initiate the AI scan: Click 'Generate' and let the AI analyze the text for key takeaways and recurring themes.
Review the generated highlights: Look through the automatically extracted points and check for accuracy against your reading goals.
Edit and Refine: Use the inline editor to add your own notes or delete any minor points that aren't essential.
Set the difficulty level: If you're turning highlights into study material, adjust the complexity to match your current knowledge level.
Export or Save: Once satisfied, save your highlights to your digital notebook for easy access during revision.
Sync to Mobile: Open the Duetoday app to review your highlights on the go while commuting or between classes.
What you can generate from your PDF
Once you have converted your PDF to highlights, Duetoday allows you to transform that raw data into various high-value study formats:
Executive Summaries: A condensed version of the document focusing only on the primary thesis and findings.
Bulleted Key Takeaways: A skimmable list of the most important facts and figures.
Actionable Checklists: If the PDF is a manual or guide, the AI can turn highlights into a step-by-step task list.
Definitions List: Automatically extract and define technical jargon found within the text.
Upload Your PDF Here
Mini example: Focus on Biology (Cellular Respiration)
To show you what to expect, here is how Duetoday handles a technical PDF on Cellular Respiration.
Input: A 15-page academic PDF discussing Glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle, and the Electron Transport Chain.
Output Highlights:
Core Definition: Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose to produce ATP.
Glycolysis: Occurs in the cytoplasm; converts 1 glucose into 2 pyruvate; yields a net gain of 2 ATP.
Krebs Cycle: Takes place in the mitochondrial matrix; releases CO2 as a byproduct.
Electron Transport Chain: The final stage where the most ATP is produced (approx. 32-34 units).
Key Equation: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.
Tips to get higher-quality results
Clean up the PDF: Remove blank pages or unnecessary covers before uploading to keep the AI focused on content.
Use high-quality scans: If your PDF is a photo of a book, ensure the lighting is even and the text is not distorted.
Be specific with prompts: If you only need the 'Conclusion' section, tell the AI tutor to focus its highlights there.
Split large files: Instead of uploading a 500-page book, upload the specific chapter you are studying for better precision.
Troubleshooting common issues
Scanned PDF not reading: Fix → Use a higher-resolution scan or run the PDF through an OCR tool before uploading.
Highlights are too brief: Fix → Change your settings to 'Detailed' or ask the AI tutor to 'expand on the last three points'.
Output includes header/footer text: Fix → Use the page selection tool to exclude bibliographies and table of contents.
Too much jargon: Fix → Ask the AI tutor to 'explain these highlights as if I am a beginner'.
Start Highlighting Faster
Stop wasting time with a physical highlighter and start using Duetoday to automate your study workflow. By converting your PDF to highlights, you can focus on learning the material rather than just organizing it. Try Duetoday today and transform the way you study.
Duetoday is an AI-powered learning OS that turns your study materials into personalised, bite-sized study guides, cheat sheets, and active learning flows.
