How to Convert an Image to PDF

Converting images to PDF is a practical way to merge several images into one PDF file or to professionally save a single image. Whether for printing, sending, or archiving, the PDF format is versatile and particularly suitable for saving images in high quality. In this article, we will show you how to quickly convert JPG, PNG, and other image formats to PDF.

How can I convert an image to PDF?

Windows and macOS already offer built-in tools that allow you to convert images to PDF without installing additional software.

Here’s how it works with the built-in Windows tools:

1. Open the image in Microsoft Edge.
2. Select “Print” in the menu bar and choose “Save as PDF” or “Microsoft Print to PDF” as the printer.
3. Click “Print” and enter the location to save the PDF file.

And this is how it works on macOS:

On macOS, the fastest way to convert images is through the context menu:

1. Right-click on the image file.
2. Select “Quick Actions” in the menu and then “Create PDF.”

Alternatively, open the image using the Preview app and click on File > Export as PDF.

In addition to the tools available on your operating system, you can also save a JPG image or other common image formats as a PDF file using any standard image editing software. Good free programs include GIMP or Paint.net. The process always follows the same steps:

1. Open the image in the appropriate program.
2. Choose File > Export as and select the PDF format.
3. Save the file in the location of your choice.

Online tools like Canva or Adobe Acrobat Converter make it especially easy to convert images without loss. You can convert PNG to PDF, convert JPG to PDF, and much more—all with just a few clicks and without expensive subscriptions. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the relevant website, such as Canva or tools like PDF24 and PDF Converter.
2. Upload the image and select the desired quality.
3. Export the file as a PDF.

Merge multiple images into a PDF

Do you have several images and want to save them in a single PDF file? Web tools like Canva or PDF24 can also help with this. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the program or website.
2. Upload all the images you want and arrange them in the correct order.
3. Save the images as a combined PDF file.

Note: Only use Canva in this case if the images have the same size format or if you want to edit the images further. Online converters are faster for simple merging operations.

How can I convert an image to PDF on my mobile phone?

You can easily convert images to PDF files on your mobile phone as well. Modern smartphones already offer this functionality as standard. On Android devices, for example, you can use the “Print” function, similar to Windows, to save the image as a PDF file. To do this, select the relevant image in your Photos app, click on “Share,” and then “Print.” Instead of selecting the printer, click on “Save as PDF” or “Create PDF.”

This works the same way on iPhone. Open the image in the Photos app and click on “Print.” Instead of printing, you can now save the image as a PDF file and share it or save it to your iCloud.

Note: Alternatively, there are many free apps like “Image to PDF” (Android) or “Photos to PDF Converter” (iOS) that do the same thing.

When and why should you convert an image to PDF?

PDF files offer many advantages compared to image formats like JPG or PNG:

• PDF files are ideal for printing because they retain layout and image quality.
• They are widely used and can be easily read on almost all platforms.
• PDF files support multiple pages, allowing you to merge several images into a single document.
• Unlike images like JPG, PDF files are not compressed, which increases quality.

What is the difference between PDF and JPG?

The biggest difference between PDF and JPG lies in their use and compression. While JPG is perfect for compressed images and graphics, PDF files always retain their original layout and save text, images, and graphics in high quality without loss. This is why PDF files are often used for documents, reports, or presentations.

Which image formats can I convert to PDF?

Most common image formats can easily be converted to PDF, including:

• JPEG/JPG
• PNG
• GIF
• BMP
• HEIC
• WEBP
• TIFF

Is the conversion from image to PDF lossless?

Yes, the conversion from image to PDF is generally lossless because PDF files are copies of the original files. Like vector graphics, image quality is preserved as no compression is applied. This means the image does not lose any sharpness or detail when converted to a PDF format.