How to Convert JPG to PDF on Mac

If you're using a macOS computer, you know that certain formats can be difficult to deal with. For instance, you may need to know how to convert JPG to PDF on your Mac.

In this article, we will go over 5 ways how to turn a JPG picture into a PDF on an iMac or MacBook. Some of the suggested image to PDF converters are web-based, and others are desktop applications. Keep on reading to find the best one for you!

Option 1. PDF Candy

While JPG is widely used for presentations, brochures, or flyers, PDF is the best option for papers and documents. Above all, it is way more secure and formal than image formats.

How to convert JPG images to PDF with PDF Candy

1. Open the JPG to PDF converter in any browser on your computer.
2. Press "+ Add file(s)" and choose the photo. Upload from your computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox cloud storage. You can also simply drag and drop the photos.
3. You can convert multiple JPG images to PDFs at once. Rearrange the order in how you wish them to appear in the PDF.
4. Select the format and quality of the output with the menus:
   • Size Options. Pick the page size of the document: Original Size, US Letter, or A4.
   • Page Layout. If you opt for the US Letter or A4 size option, pick between Portrait and Landscape. If you keep Auto, then the tool will set this automatically.
   • Margins. There are three options: No Margin, Small Margin, and Big Margin.
5. Click "Convert" when you are done. Once the processing is finished, "Download" your newly created PDF.

PDF Candy is an online service that will help you convert JPGs to PDF format for free. This means you can turn images into other formats on your Mac in a fast and efficient way.

Pros:

• Control over layout and quality. The JPEG and JPG to PDF converter lets you set the page layout and margins of your new file.
• Available on any device. All you need is a device with Internet access to the tool - iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iPhone. More to that, you can use this service on a Windows computer or any Android-based phone.
• Free to use. There is no cost to using it, so you can convert your JPG to PDF free of charge.
• Easy to share. You will have the option to download to your device and upload it to Google Drive or Dropbox. Or create a link with a QR code.
• Additional instruments. The website provides the ability to edit PDF, set a password, add a watermark, compress PDF, and more.

Knowing how to convert from JPG to PDF on Mac will help you make documents that are easier to print or distribute. A PDF can be read on any device or printed out without losing its formatting. On the contrary, an image may become distorted when viewed on different-sized screens or when printed out.

Option 2. Preview

Apple provides a built-in software to work with PDFs called Preview. The program offers several instruments for manipulation with this format.

How to convert an image in JPG to PDF on Mac with Preview

1. Locate the JPG to convert to PDF in "Finder".
2. Right-click the picture and choose "Open with".
3. Select Preview from the drop-down menu.
4. Once it is opened, in the top menu, click "File" and pick the "Export as PDF" option.
5. In the "Save As" area, type in the title of your result from JPG to PDF. Set the folder to store the new document.
6. Hit the "Save" button to complete the processing.

Now you know how to turn a JPG into a PDF on Mac with this pre-installed application. However, it has a limited toolkit.

Cons:

• You cannot control how the elements appear on the page when converting a JPG to PDF. For example, you cannot set margins around the picture or rotate your PDF file.
• If you opt for this app, your image may be distorted to fit the default print margins on a portrait page.
• Since the software does not have optical character recognition, you will not be able to edit existing text. Hence, you will not have the possibility to further work with the content.

Preview, of course, is limited to macOS only. If you have a mobile device or a different OS, you will need to search for another option.

Alternatively, you can choose an online JPG to PDF converter that does not rely on the device or operating system used.

Option 3. LibreOffice

LibreOffice is an open-source program for working with various files. As one of its many features, you can convert JPG to PDF after a free download. Below are instructions on how to change images with this application.

How to transform a JPG to PDF with LibreOffice

1. Download the installation file for the software suitable for your version of macOS.
2. After installation, open the program and locate the "Open File" menu. Choose the JPG to convert to PDF option.
3. Manually adjust the size and position on the page. You can upload additional photos with the "Insert Image" button to merge JPG and PDF to create a single document from multiple pictures.
4. Once you have the desired layout, click "Export directly as PDF".
5. Give a new title and set the location to store it. Press "Save" to change your JPG to PDF.

Now, you have just learned how to make a JPG a PDF with this free program. Although it can be utilized as an image to PDF converter, there are a few downsides.

Cons:

• The software does not have a separate JPG to PDF converter. Hence, you need to use other tools for this.
• Even though the program is free, you will have to download and install a third-party app. It can significantly slow down your work.
• Each JPG will need to be manually moved and resized before completing the processing.

Using LibreOffice, you will be able to convert JPG to PDF with free software that also provides many other useful tools.

When combining several images, creating a single document out of them is often the best way to do it. This ensures that all the pictures appear in the desired order and have the same resolution, size, and positioning.

Option 4. Canva

Some services have capacities that are not apparent at first glance. For instance, the popular editor Canva. In the guide below, you will see how to make a PDF a JPG on Mac with this method.

How to turn JPG into PDF on macOS with Canva

1. Open the website. Log in or create an account if you do not have one already.
2. Click "Create a design". Choose either "Doc" (with auto size) or "A4 Document".
3. Use the "Upload files" button to transfer your images into the working area.
4. Manually move the picture to the blank space and adjust the positioning. If you need more than one page, use the "+ Add page".
5. Once you have achieved the desired result, hit "Share" in the top right corner. Select "Download" in the dropdown menu.
6. In the "File Type pick "PDF Standard" or "PDF Print", depending on what you will do with your PDF later, and download it.

Utilizing an image to PDF converter is vital for several activities. It can lessen the size, create a single document out of multiple pictures, improve readability, and maintain quality when sharing online. All of these advantages can be incredibly useful in many situations.

Cons:

• There are no features suitable for editing PDF as the editor is not designed for working with PDFs specifically.
• You will not be able to resize the PDF with the free version. So, your choice of dimensions is limited to the offered templates.

Despite the disadvantages, this service is great for converting JPG to PDF to achieve top-notch quality when distributing big images electronically or printing.

If you need to share online or print large pictures, turning JPG into PDF with Canva will help retain the original resolution. This will ensure the pictures look just as good online as they appear locally.

Option 5. iLovePDF

iLovePDF is a versatile online platform that offers a wide range of tools, including conversion, compression, merging, splitting, and editing. Here's a step-by-step guide on using it.

How to change JPG to PDF using iLovePDF

1. Open any preferred web browser on your Mac and navigate to the iLovePDF website.
2. Locate the "JPG to PDF" tool in the "Convert PDF" dropdown menu.
3. Click the "Select JPG files" button and choose the images from your computer.
4. If you uploaded multiple pictures, you can arrange their order by dragging and dropping them into the desired sequence.
5. Once you've made all the adjustments, press the "Convert to PDF" button. The service will begin processing.
6. After it is complete, you'll be presented with a download link to save the PDF.

That's it! You've successfully converter your JPG images to PDF. This process is straightforward and can be completed quickly, making it a convenient option for switching image to PDF format.

Cons:

• The platform imposes size limitations you can upload for processing. The free version has stricter limits (40 MB), and you may need to upgrade to a paid plan for larger files.
• The free version also restricts batch processing to a maximum of 20 items at a time. While this may be sufficient for occasional small tasks, it can be uncomfortable for some people.

In conclusion, while iLovePDF offers a solution for converting JPG to PDF and provides a range of tools, it comes with its own set of limitations and considerations. However, users benefit from its interface, efficient process, and various customization options.

JPG to PDF converting tips

1. Use reliable and efficient software. Choose a reputable image to PDF converter for Mac or an online tool that offers seamless processing. Look for one that supports batch operations and preserves the clarity of the pictures.
2. Check the settings. Beforehand, ensure that the resolution and compression are appropriate for your requirements. Higher resolution and lower compression values will result in a larger size, but better quality.
3. Organize your files. If you need to change multiple JPGs or JPEGs into a single document, make sure to arrange them in the desired order before initiating the conversion to maintain the correct sequence in the resulting PDF.
4. Set the page orientation and margins. Depending on the orientation, you may need to adjust the page orientation. Set portrait or landscape before turning the JPG into a PDF. Additionally, consider setting appropriate margins to avoid cropping or distortion.
5. Preview and review. Once the image-to-PDF switch is complete, take a few moments to review the result. Check if all the elements are accurately in the correct order and with the desired quality. Previewing the PDF ensures there are no errors or issues before sharing.

FAQ

Can I convert JPG images to searchable PDFs?

Yes, some advanced tools offer OCR functionality, allowing you to change scanned documents to searchable and editable PDF files.

What resolution should my JPGs be for optimal quality?

Higher parameter generally result in better-quality PDFs. However, a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) is often considered standard for printing purposes.

How can I merge existing PDF with JPGs?

After converting JPG images to PDF format, you can use a separate tool to combine them with existing documents.

Can I convert PDF back to JPG format if needed?

Yes, many editing software and online platforms offer the option to extract images from PDF and save them as JPG files.

Will turning a JPG to PDF reduce its quality?

Typically, this process does not change the quality, but compression settings in the chosen tool may affect the final result.

Can I edit the text in a PDF created from a JPG?

If the document was made using OCR (Optical Character Recognition), you can change the text. Otherwise, the content will remain as a photo.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have gone through several ways how to convert an image to PDF on your iMac or MacBook. Whether you decide to employ a desktop application or a free online JPG to PDF converter, choose the one that fits what you want to achieve as you perform the operation.

Make sure to compress PDF on macOS after you create one.