How to convert files to PDF

If you have a document saved as a jpg, png, or even HEIC, you will want to make it a PDF to make it easier to share and print. Here’s how:

One way to do this is by doing a “Print to PDF”.

1. Find the file you want to export or share.

2. Go to your print options (on Mac it’s usually Command P).

3. Instead of sending it to a printer, there should be an option towards the bottom that will allow you to save as PDF.

4. From there, rename your file is necessary, select where you want your file to be saved on your computer, and save it. It’s that easy.

Another option would be to change the extension on the file name. This will be how to do it on a Mac.

1. Locate your file in the Finder. 

2. Click on the name of the file. This should let you edit what it is currently titled.

3. Rename the file if necessary. Most likely, there will be “.jpg”, “.png”, “.HEIC” or some other extension at the end of whatever you have called this file. Delete whichever extension is currently used and type “.pdf”. Hit Enter.

4. This should automatically convert your file to PDF. If not, continue with these instructions.

5. With your file still selected, draw your attention to the information screen on the right-hand side of the Finder. Towards the bottom of the window, you may see buttons to “Rotate Left”, “Mark up”, and “More”. Click the button that says “More…”.

6. You will then get a short drop down menu. The first option should say “create a PDF”. Go ahead and click that.

7. Your PDF will be automatically created!

One final option would be to use the app “Genius Scan”.

1. Download the app “Genius Scan” on your phone. There may be other apps that can do this same function, but these instructions will be specific to “Genius Scan”.

2. You may have to create an account before exporting your file. Go ahead and sign up- there's a free version.

3. Once you have logged in, press the orange circle with the + sign in the lower left corner.

4. Towards the bottom of the screen, there are 3 options that say “Photos”, “Scan”, and “Files”. If the image of your file is in your Photo Library, click “Photos”. If your image is saved in the Files on your phone or on some sort of cloud, you should click “Files”.

5. For either option, select your image(s) or file(s) and click “choose (#)” once you are finished.

6. You will be shown a preview of your file. If you want to edit your image, you can choose the “Edit” option at the bottom. If you’re happy with the results, you can rename the scan and export it to whichever platform you will be using to share it. 

7. When you’re ready to export your scan, click the “Share” Button (The square with the arrow pointing up) in the lower right corner. From there, you can email it directly to someone, you can airdrop it to someone, you can save it to your iCloud Drive, and more. Your file will now be sent as a PDF.

8. You can always revisit your scans and PDFs. At the home page, there is a list of all of your scans if you need to resend it. It will also show which scans have been exported and how they were exported.