While PNG (Portable Network Graphics) files are known for their high image quality, they’re not the best in terms of shareability. PDF (Portable Document Format) files, on the other hand, can be shared quickly and efficiently, without taking up much storage. For this reason, web and graphic design professionals often convert PNG to PDF. However, you don’t need to be a professional to complete this routine task.
What Is PNG to PDF Conversion & Why You Need It
PNG to PDF conversion involves converting a single or multiple PNG images into a single PDF document. This document can then be easily managed, shared, or printed.
As aforementioned, PNG is the superior file type when it comes to maintaining image quality. This raster image format features lossless compression, meaning that the file size can be reduced without the image quality being diminished. This quality makes PNGs ideal for digital design, particularly when it comes to creating logos, web images, and graphics.
However, PNG files come with many drawbacks. Their bulky file size, in particular, makes them inefficient for file sharing. The size impacts storage, bandwidth, and image loading times. This means that they are less shareable than other file types.
Luckily, it’s possible to merge several PNG files into one single PDF document, allowing you to create a more efficient and compact file type for your images. PDFs can compress several images at once while maintaining image quality. Plus, this file type is recognised across all devices, meaning quality images can be delivered and viewed on all phones, laptops, and tablets.
How to Make a PNG a PDF
You can merge PNGs into PDF files by using free tools such as Smallppt. You can also use PDF software or use the built-in default applications on your Mac or Windows computer.
Method 1 – Convert PNG to PDF for Free Online
Using an app like Smallppt is not only free, but it is also one of the most straightforward ways of how to make a PNG a PDF. Here’s how you do it:
1 Upload PNG files
From the sidebar, select ‘AI PDF’. On this page, click on the ‘JPG to PDF’ option. This allows you to convert several image types, including PNG.
2 Adjust page settings
Once you upload the PNG(s), you can change the image fit options and color type.
3Click convert
Select ‘Convert’ at the bottom of the page.
4Download PDF
Your PDF document should then download automatically.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No installation
- Easy to use
- Easily select single or multiple images
Cons
- Requires internet
Method 2 – How to Make a Picture a PDF on Mac
You don’t need to download a new type of software to merge PNGs into PDF files. Instead, you can use the apps that are already available on your computer by default. For example, if you have a Mac, you can use the Preview app.
Follow the steps below to learn how to make a picture a PDF on Mac (see the next section for converting multiple images)
Single PNG → PDF
1Open PNG in Preview
You can find the Preview app in the Applications folder. Alternatively, you can access Preview by double-clicking on any PDF. Preview is the default Mac image viewer.
2Click File → Export
Once you click on ‘Export’, several options will appear - HEIC, JPEG, JPEG-2000, OpenEXR, PDF, PNG, and TIFF.
3 Choose PDF format
Obviously, you should select ‘PDF’ from the list of options that appears.
4 Save
Give the new PDF a name and select a save location.
Merge PNGs into One PDF (Mac)
1 Open multiple images in Preview
You can easily do this by holding down Command (⌘) and selecting all the PNG files you want to add. Once all images are selected, you can click Open With → Preview.
If each image appears in a separate window, select View → Thumbnails from the top menu. This will make all the images appear in a sidebar.
2 Select thumbnails in sidebar
In the sidebar, you will see all the images listed as thumbnails. The order they are listed in will be the order they will appear in the PDF.
To change the order, click Command (⌘) + A. You can then drag and drop the files and rearrange them in your desired order.
3 Export as PDF
Once you’re happy with the order, you can select File → Export as PDF
Depending on your macOS version, you may need to click File → Print → Save as PDF
Your PDF document will be created after you select a file name and destination.
Method 3 – Convert PNG to PDF on Windows
Using Print to PDF
To merge several photos into a single PDF on Windows, follow these steps:
1 Select PNG files
Select multiple files by holding down the [ctrl] key.
It’s worth noting that the files will appear in the PDF in the order you select them in. If you want a particular image to appear at the top of the document, select this PNG first.
2 Right-click → Print
Once all the PNGs have been selected, right-click and, from the menu that appears, select ‘print’ (or press [ctrl] + P)
3 Choose ‘Microsoft Print to PDF’
A drop-down menu will appear. From the list of printing options, click on ‘Microsoft Print to PDF’.
At this point, you can also adjust the paper quality and PDF size.
4 Save
Once you click on the ‘Print’ button, you can name and choose the destination of the file.
Advantages
- No download is required
- You don’t need Wi-Fi, as this option works offline
Disadvantages
- Limited customization
- Limited quality control
Method 4 – Using PDF Software
There are many PDF software options available online, which are commonly known as ‘PDF editors’ or ‘PDF creators’. These apps can be used for several purposes, including converting PDF documents.
Most PDF editors come with such tools as OCR (Optical Character Recognition), allowing you to convert images of text (such as PDF files) into editable text. They also come with file compression features as well as editing tools to allow you to create a high-quality PDF version of your PNGs.
| Tool Name | Features & Benefits | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① Adobe Acrobat | Industry-standard quality. Maintains high image resolution and offers OCR for text within images. | Professional-grade documents and high-resolution archives. | Free (Basic Online) / Premium Subscription |
| ② iLovePDF | Simple drag-and-drop interface. Allows visual reordering of images before conversion. | Fast, casual batch conversions on web or mobile. | Free (Daily limits) / Premium |
| ③ Smallpdf | Very secure with high-end encryption. Excellent integration with Google Drive and Dropbox. | Users who work primarily out of cloud storage. | Free (Limited tasks) / Pro Plan |
| ④ Nitro PDF Pro | Desktop-heavy performance. Extremely fast at handling hundreds of images at once. | Business environments and high-volume workflows. | Paid (One-time or Subscription) |
| ⑤ PDF24 Tools | 100% free with no file limits. Offers an offline desktop version for maximum privacy. | Privacy-conscious users needing unlimited free access. | Free (No hidden costs) |
If you have a big batch of PNG files to convert, this method would be the best option for you. The compression features will allow you to maintain quality across multiple PNG files.
You could use the likes of Adobe Acrobat, for example, to convert PNG to PDF.
1Click on ‘Convert’
From the top menu, click on ‘Convert’. From the drop-down menu that appears, select ‘Convert PNG to PDF’.
2Upload file
Click on the ‘Select a File’ button. From here, you’ll be able to select the file you want to convert from your saved items.
3Download the PDF
After a few seconds, Acrobat will have your PDF ready to download.
How to Merge PNGs into a Single PDF
There are several ways to merge PNGs into PDF, such as via Smallppt and Mac Preview.
On Smallppt, this is just a case of selecting multiple files on the JPG to PDF menu.
On the likes of Mac Preview and PDF software tools, you can normally hold down Command (⌘) and select all the PNG files you want to merge into a single PDF at the uploading stage.
Common Problems & Fixes
Those who are new to file conversion can run into problems - luckily, there are easy fixes for the most common problems.
File too large
If you convert a series of high-quality PNG images into one single PDF, you may run into file size issues. If the end-product file is too large, you can use a PDF compression tool. This tool allows you to lower the image quality settings while maintaining the clarity of the image.
Wrong orientation
You may find that your images are presented sideways or upside down following the conversion. This is particularly common when the images are taken on a phone.
To avoid this, make sure each image is rotated in the right direction before converting to a PDF.
Quality issues
You may notice that the images are of a lower quality or grainier in a PDF than they were as a PNG.
To fix this, opt for higher resolution and quality export conversion settings. This should help preserve image clarity.
FAQs
How do I convert PNG to PDF for free?
You can convert PNG to PDF free online by using tools such as Smallppt, Mac Preview, or Adobe Acrobat. Such tools allow you to convert multiple PNGs into a single PDF file.
Can I merge multiple PNGs into one PDF?
Yes, multiple PNGs are commonly converted into one single PDF. Doing this makes the files more easily shareable and means that the files can be printed.
Does converting reduce quality?
Converting PDF to PNG can reduce the image quality, normally in the form of blurriness caused by excessive compression. This can be avoided by using proper image conversion tools.
How to convert PNG to PDF on Mac without software?
You can convert PNG to PDF on Mac using Mac Preview. This default image and PDF viewer allows you to upload PNG files and export them as PDFs.
Conclusion
There are many options available when it comes to methods for converting PNG to PDF. If you’re looking for a quick and free online method, you should opt for Smallppt, as it allows you to upload multiple images and adjust page settings before you download the PDF. In terms of offline options, Mac Preview works as a reliable file converter. However, if you’re looking for high-quality file conversion and editing, you should opt for PDF software such as Adobe Acrobat.
