documents
How to Prepare Documents for Online Applications
A checklist for cleaning, combining, compressing, and reviewing documents before uploading them.
By Berlvis Editorial Team · Published · Updated
Make the document easy to review
Use clear scans, upright pages, and meaningful filenames. If several files belong together, merge them into one PDF in the order the application expects.
Meet size and format rules
Most portals ask for PDF, JPG, or PNG files below a size limit. Compress large PDFs or images, but keep the details readable. When the portal asks for one file, convert images to PDF or merge related PDFs.
Check before uploading
Open every final file, zoom in, and confirm names, dates, photos, signatures, and page order. Keep a copy of the final submitted version in a separate folder.
Use a simple submission checklist
List every required document, the accepted format, maximum size, and whether the portal wants one combined file or separate uploads. Mark each item only after opening the final version. This prevents a correctly formatted application from failing because a supporting page, signature, or reverse side was omitted.
Protect personal information
Prepare sensitive documents on a trusted device and network. Check that screenshots do not expose unrelated notifications or account details, and share only the pages requested. After submission, save the confirmation and the exact final files securely, then remove unnecessary temporary copies from shared computers or download folders.
FAQ
Should I compress documents before uploading?
Compress only when the file is above the portal limit or too slow to send. Always review the final copy.
Is PDF better than images?
PDF is usually better for multi-page documents. Images are useful when the portal asks for individual photos or scans.