How to find the right tool on AltFTool fast
Press Ctrl+K (Cmd+K on Mac) or / anywhere on AltFTool, type the job in plain words such as 'compress pdf', and open the top result. If search is too broad, filter the /tools/all directory by category or browse a category hub.
Updated 4 min read
On this page
The fastest route: site search
Site search is available from every standard AltFTool page. It uses the same ranking as the tool directory, so a query returns the same top tools whichever box you type it into.
Open search
Press Ctrl+K on Windows and Linux, Cmd+K on a Mac, or the / key when you are not typing in a field. You can also click the search button in the header.
Describe the job
Type what you want to do in plain words: 'merge pdf', 'heic to jpg', 'emi', 'cron'. Words like 'free', 'online' and 'tool' are ignored, so you do not need them.
Pick the best match
Exact name matches rank first, then names that start with your words, then matches in descriptions, categories and topics. Open the result that matches your task.
Refine if needed
If the list is broad, add one more specific word, such as 'pdf password' instead of 'pdf', or open the directory and filter by category.
Browse by category when you are not sure of the name
If you know the area but not the tool, open a category hub. PDF & Documents holds merging, splitting, compressing and converting tools; Converters covers units, files and data formats; Finance & Business holds EMI, SIP, GST and invoice tools.
Inside /tools/all you can combine a category filter with a search term. Typing 'json' with the Developer category selected, for example, narrows the list to the JSON Formatter, JSON-to-TypeScript and similar helpers.
Use a themed hub for common file jobs
For the most common jobs there are themed hubs that put the usual tools side by side: AltFLovePDF for PDF work, AltFLoveImg for images, and AltF Calculators for finance, health and maths calculators. There is also a dedicated exam photo and signature resizer for application forms with strict size rules.
Get back to tools you use often
Open a tool once and it is added to the Recent tab of the directory. Use the save button on any tool card to add it to the Saved tab. Both lists live in your browser, so they persist between visits on the same device. The saved and recent tools guide covers the details.
If nothing fits
Try a synonym or the file format name, check the site map, or read the troubleshooting guide. If the tool does not exist, suggest it on Request a Tool.
Tools used in this guide
- PDF Merger ToolMerge multiple PDF files quickly into a single document.
- HEIC to JPG ConverterConvert Apple HEIC/HEIF images into standard JPG or PNG files locally in your web browser. Supports batch conversions, custom image quality, and ZIP exports.
- Loan EMI CalculatorLoan EMI Calculator helps you calculate the monthly EMI of a loan.
- Cron Expression GeneratorBuild cron expressions with readable schedule previews.
- JSON FormattingRegular formatted display of JSON, plus automatic formatting/conversion for API interface testing (GET, POST, POST-JSON).
Frequently asked questions
What is the keyboard shortcut for AltFTool search?
Press Ctrl+K on Windows or Linux, Cmd+K on a Mac, or the / key when your cursor is not in a text field.
Can I share a link to search results?
Yes. Add ?search= to the directory URL, for example /tools/all?search=pdf, and the directory opens with that query applied. You can also add ?category=developer to preselect a category.
Why does my search show no results?
The query may be too specific or use a word no tool mentions. Remove extra words, try the file format (png, csv) or the action (compress, convert), and clear any active category filter.