How to Convert an Image to PDF on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Converting images to PDF format is useful for sharing, archiving, or printing purposes. PDFs maintain the integrity of the file's content, ensuring the document’s appearance is consistent across all devices. If you're using a Mac, the process of converting images (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.) to PDF is straightforward and doesn’t require third-party software. In this guide, we’ll show you several methods to convert images to PDF on Mac using built-in macOS tools.

Why Convert an Image to PDF?

There are several reasons why you might want to convert an image to PDF:

Universal Format: PDFs can be opened on any device without compatibility issues, unlike image formats, which may not be supported by all platforms.
Compact File Size: PDFs often compress images, making the overall file size smaller and easier to share.
Multipage PDF Creation: If you have multiple images, converting them into a single PDF can make viewing and sharing more convenient.
Consistent Layout: PDFs preserve the layout and quality of your images, ensuring they look the same on any device.

Method 1: Using Preview to Convert an Image to PDF on Mac

Preview, the default image and PDF viewer in macOS, makes it easy to convert images to PDFs. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Open the Image in Preview:
- Right-click on the image you want to convert.
- Select Open With > Preview.
Export as PDF:
- Once the image is open in Preview, click on File in the top menu bar.
- From the dropdown menu, choose Export as PDF.
Save the PDF:
- A dialog box will appear. Choose the file name, location, and click Save.
- Your image will now be saved as a PDF file at the chosen destination.

This is the easiest and fastest way to convert a single image to a PDF on Mac using Preview.

Method 2: Convert Multiple Images to a Single PDF Using Preview

If you need to convert several images into one multipage PDF, Preview can also handle this task with ease. Follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Select and Open the Images in Preview:
- In Finder, select all the images you want to convert.
- Right-click the selection and choose Open With > Preview.
- All the images will open in a single window with thumbnails on the sidebar.
Rearrange the Images (Optional):
- In the Preview sidebar, drag the images to rearrange them in the desired order.
Combine the Images into One PDF:
- Click on File in the top menu and select Print (or press Command + P).
- In the print dialog box, click the PDF dropdown menu at the bottom-left corner.
- Select Save as PDF.
Save the PDF:
- Choose a file name, select where you want to save the PDF, and click Save.
- Your multiple images are now combined into one PDF file.

Method 3: Using the Photos App to Convert Image to PDF on Mac

The Photos app on macOS also allows you to convert images to PDF. This is useful if you already have your images stored in the Photos library. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Open the Photos App:
- Launch the Photos app on your Mac.
Select the Image(s) You Want to Convert:
- Browse through your library and select the image or images you want to convert.
Export as PDF:
- After selecting the images, click on File in the menu bar and choose Export > Export PDF.
Save the PDF:
- In the dialog box, choose a location to save the PDF, and click Save.
- Your images will now be saved as a PDF document.

This method is ideal if you’re organizing or exporting images already stored in the Photos app.

Method 4: Using the Print Function to Convert an Image to PDF

Another way to convert an image to PDF is by using the Print function. This method works for any application that supports printing (like Preview, Photos, or even web browsers). Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Open the Image:
- Open the image in Preview or another app that supports printing (such as Photos, Safari, or Chrome).
Print the Image:
- Click on File > Print (or press Command + P).
Save as PDF:
- In the print dialog box, click on the PDF button located at the bottom-left corner.
- Select Save as PDF.
Save the File:
- Choose the file name and location, then click Save.
- Your image is now saved as a PDF file.

This method is a versatile way to convert images to PDF, no matter what app you’re using.

Method 5: Using Automator to Batch Convert Images to PDF on Mac

For users who frequently convert many images to PDF, Automator, a built-in Mac app, can help automate the process. Here’s how to create an Automator workflow to batch convert images to PDF:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Launch Automator:
- Open Automator from your Applications folder.
Create a New Workflow:
- Select New Document, then choose Workflow.
Set Up the Workflow:
- In the left panel, search for and select Get Specified Finder Items.
- Click Add and select the images you want to convert.
- Next, search for New PDF from Images and drag it into the workflow.
Run the Workflow:
- Click Run in the top-right corner to execute the workflow.
- Automator will convert all selected images into a PDF file.

Automator is perfect for batch processing large numbers of files and automating repetitive tasks on your Mac.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Large File Sizes

When converting high-resolution images to PDF, the file size may become too large for sharing or storage.

Solution: Use an online PDF compressor or Preview’s “Export” function to reduce the file size. Select File > Export in Preview, then adjust the Quartz Filter to Reduce File Size.

2. Low-Quality Output

If the converted PDF appears blurry or pixelated, it could be due to the image resolution or compression settings.

Solution: Ensure that the original image has a high resolution, and avoid selecting compression options that reduce quality.

3. Image Not Centered in PDF

Sometimes, the image may not be properly centered or scaled in the PDF.

Solution: Before saving as a PDF, use Preview’s crop and resize tools to adjust the image’s positioning on the page.

Conclusion

Converting images to PDFs on a Mac is a simple task thanks to macOS’s built-in tools like Preview, Photos, and Automator. Whether you’re converting a single image, multiple images, or batch-processing files, these methods provide quick and reliable solutions for transforming image files into universally accessible PDFs. Choose the method that best suits your needs, and you’ll be converting images to PDF with ease in no time.

How to Convert an Image to PDF on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide