A 200-page manual with bookmarks for every chapter takes ten minutes to set up. Without bookmarks, your readers will use Ctrl+F and resent you for it.
Multiple bookmarks isn't really a separate task from one bookmark — it's the same step done in sequence. The skill is doing it efficiently without losing your place.
Write the outline first
Before opening the editor, write the bookmark list in a scratchpad. Section name, target page. "Introduction — page 3. Chapter 1 — page 11. Chapter 2 — page 27."
With the list ready, the actual bookmarking is mechanical. Tab through the file, drop bookmarks in order.
Use the page thumbnail sidebar
Open the file in Flint's editor and pull up the thumbnail sidebar. Scroll to each target page, right-click, add bookmark, type the title.
For nested bookmarks (sub-sections under a chapter), drag the child entry slightly right under its parent.
Cross-check the bookmark tree
When you're done, scan the bookmark tree from top to bottom. Every entry should make sense out of context — "Section 4.2" is bad, "Risk Management Framework" is good.
Test navigation by clicking each one. Pages that have shifted (after a reorder or merge) need their bookmarks re-pointed.
FAQ
How many bookmarks is too many?
Around 30-40 entries in the sidebar is the practical limit before scrolling becomes annoying. Use nesting to keep the top level compact.
Can I generate bookmarks from headings automatically?
When converted from Word with proper heading styles, headings come through as bookmarks. For source-less PDFs, build manually in the editor.
Do bookmarks survive merging?
Bookmarks from each input file are preserved when merging. They nest under each source's tree in the merged document.
Will all readers display my bookmarks?
Yes — bookmarks are part of the PDF spec. Some lightweight mobile readers hide the sidebar by default but the data is there.
Bookmarks are the difference between a long PDF and a navigable PDF. Plan the outline, drop them in Flint's editor, and ship.