Free Tools: PDFEscape and FaxZero

Consultant's Mind

12 years ago

Recently came across a list called 101 Most Useful Websites curated by Amit Argarwal, a columnist with the Wall Street Journal India. Useful, free and refreshing websites.

1) FaxZero.com: This a free PC-to-Fax machine service No registration and it takes only 60 seconds to upload a document, type in the recipient’s fax number and send. I used this yesterday to fax from the comfort of my desk chair.

2) www.PDFEscape.com: This is a free online PDF editor that lets you do all those things your freebie-cheapie version of Acrobat reader does not. Create pdf, edit, create form fields, add sticky notes, and highlight. (Some of the features shown below)

3) www.IconFinder.com: This is an excellent search tool for icons, but I have two small caveats: 1) Double check to make sure the license is “creative commons”, so you can use it 2) Resist the temptation to load your presentation with lots icons. Be sparing. Putting lots of icons and meaningless photos in the PPT makes it look like a high-school science project. Rely on your analysis and insights, not icons.

4) Kleki.com: This is an online drawing tool that is both simple and fun. No download needed. As the website creator explained,”I like to paint and code, that’s basically why I’m creating this tool.” Lots of talented and generous people out there.

5) www.WordClouds.com: This website lets you create a word cloud in about 20 seconds. No download needed. Simply copy/paste your text into the box, then change the colors, layout, font to your liking. Doubt you will use this in a client presentation, but it is good fun. See this blog’s word cloud below. As consultants, need to always eat our own dog food.