User Guide for PDF Merge Service Menu using kdialog in Plasma

Introduction: This user guide provides instructions for using a Service Menu, developed with kdialog under the Plasma desktop environment. The Service Menu allows users to merge two PDF files: one containing odd-numbered pages scanned using a simplex Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), and the other containing even-numbered pages scanned using the same ADF. Users can select the files alternately via a dialog box, and the Service Menu merges them into a single duplex (recto-verso) PDF file. It is important to note that during the prior scanning process, the stack of pages is scanned once, then flipped and scanned again without any other modifications.

Requirements:

Linux operating system with Plasma desktop environment
Install the Service Menu system-wide: # cp mergepdf_odd_even.desktop /usr/share/kservices5/ServiceMenus/
pdftk binary must be installed
Two PDF files: one containing odd-numbered pages, and the other containing even-numbered pages
Simplex Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) scanner or printer with ADF

Instructions:

Locate the PDF files:
Ensure that you have the two PDF files available: one with odd-numbered pages and the other with even-numbered pages.

Select the PDF files using the Service Menu:
Right-click on the odd-numbered PDF file.
In the context menu, navigate to the "Actions".
Look for the Merge PDFs Odd & Even option and click on it.

Choose the even-numbered PDF file:
A dialog box will appear, prompting you to select the PDF file containing the even-numbered pages.
Browse or enter the path manually to locate and select the file.
Once selected, click "Open" or press "Enter" to confirm the selection.

Choose the odd-numbered PDF file the same way.

Merge the PDF files:
The Service Menu will merge the two selected PDF files into a single duplex PDF file.
The merged file will contain both odd and even-numbered pages in the correct order.
The resulting PDF file will be saved at the name you've chosen.
A notification or dialog box will indicate when the merge is complete.

Note:

Ensure that the PDF files you provide correspond to the correct scanning order (odd or even-numbered pages).
The Service Menu assumes that the ADF scanner is set to scan in simplex mode for both odd and even-numbered pages.
Make sure that the files you select are in PDF format and are not encrypted or password-protected.

Disclaimer:

The Service Menu provided in this guide is intended for personal use and comes with no warranty or guarantee of any kind. Use it at your own risk.

Enjoy using the PDF Merge Service Menu with kdialog in Plasma!

Pascal Billery-Schneider