Convert a PDF into a Sandbox
Updated 2 hours ago by Rana WildsConverting a PDF into a Sandbox is simple! All you need to do is upload your PDF file and Padlet will turn each page into a Sandbox card.
Importing a PDF
To convert a PDF into a new Sandbox, follow these steps:
- On the dashboard, click the +Make button at the top.
- Select Import PDF.
- A pop-up will appear. Choose Upload PDF to locate your file.
- Your Sandbox will be automatically created. Make adjustments as necessary.
What to expect
When you import a PDF, each page is rendered as a static image on its own Sandbox card. This means you get a visual replica of your original document that you can then annotate, rearrange, and build on using Sandbox tools.
Unsupported features
While PDF imports capture the visual layout of your document, some elements won't carry over as editable or interactive content.
The following features may not render correctly (or at all):
Category | Unsupported / Partially Supported Feature | Additional Information |
Editable text | Text layers, selectable text | PDF pages are imported as flat images. Text cannot be selected, copied, or edited directly |
Hyperlinks | Clickable links, internal bookmarks | Links within the PDF are not preserved after import |
Form fields | Fillable forms, checkboxes, drop-downs | Interactive form elements are flattened into static images |
Embedded media | Videos, audio, 3D content | Multimedia embedded in the PDF will not be playable |
Annotations | Comments, highlights, sticky notes | Existing PDF annotations are visible in the image but not interactive |
Layers and transparency | Overlapping layers, transparency effects | Complex layering may render differently than expected |
Fonts | Custom or embedded fonts | Fonts are preserved in the visual rendering, but text is not editable |
Accessibility | Screen reader tags, alt text, reading order | PDF accessibility metadata is not carried over |
Workarounds
To get the most out of your imported PDF in Sandbox, try these methods in place of the unsupported features above.
Workaround | Steps to take |
Add editable text over pages | 1. Import your PDF into Sandbox. 2. Use the Text or Sticky note tool to overlay new editable text on top of any card. |
Recreate links | 1. Use the Link tool in Sandbox to add clickable URLs to specific areas of your cards. 2. Link between Sandbox cards to recreate internal navigation. |
Annotate and mark up | 1. Use the Draw tool to highlight, circle, or underline content. 2. Add Sticky notes for comments and feedback. |
Extract and retype key text | 1. Open the original PDF alongside your Sandbox. 2. Copy text from the PDF and paste it into Text boxes or Sticky notes on the relevant cards. |
Combine with other media | Sandbox supports voice recordings, video uploads, and AI-generated illustrations. Layer these on top of your imported PDF cards to make them interactive! 1. Add audio narration with the Audio recorder tool. 2. Attach related videos using the Upload tool. |
