Convert Images & Documents to PDF: Complete Guide (2025)

Creating professional PDF documents from images and spreadsheets is a fundamental skill in today's digital workspace. Whether you're compiling photos into portfolios, converting Excel reports for distribution, or resizing images for optimal PDF quality, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about image and document to PDF conversion.

TL;DR - Quick Guide

• JPG to PDF: Convert single or multiple images to PDF using online tools, desktop software, or built-in system features
• Excel to PDF: Export spreadsheets while preserving formatting, formulas visible as values, and print layouts
• Image Resizing: Optimize image dimensions before PDF conversion for smaller file sizes and better quality
• Best for Quick Conversions: Online tools like our JPG to PDF converter process files instantly without installation
• Best for Privacy: Desktop software processes sensitive documents offline
• Batch Processing: Convert multiple images or Excel files at once using desktop software or command-line tools
• Quality Control: Resize images to 150-300 DPI for professional PDF documents

Part 1: Convert JPG to PDF

Converting JPG images to PDF creates shareable, printable documents from photos, scanned pages, or screenshots.

Understanding JPG to PDF Conversion

When you convert JPG to PDF, the image is embedded into a PDF container. The original image quality is preserved (though you can optimize during conversion). Multiple images can be combined into a single multi-page PDF.

Common Use Cases:

• Creating photo albums and portfolios
• Digitizing scanned documents
• Compiling screenshots into reports
• Archiving digital artwork
• Creating presentations from images
• Preparing images for printing

Method 1: Online JPG to PDF Converter (Fastest)

Our JPG to PDF tool and other online converters provide instant conversion without software installation.

Using Our JPG to PDF Converter:

1. Visit our JPG to PDF converter
2. Click "Select Images" or drag and drop JPG files
3. Arrange images in desired order
4. Adjust page size (A4, Letter, Custom)
5. Set image fit (Fit to page, Original size)
6. Click "Convert to PDF"
7. Download your PDF instantly

Advantages:

• No software installation required
• Works on any device with browser
• Process files locally (no server upload)
• Combine multiple JPGs into one PDF
• Free with no watermarks
• Instant conversion

Alternative Online Tools:

• Smallpdf: User-friendly with drag-and-drop
• iLovePDF: Batch conversion up to 25 images
• Adobe Acrobat Online: Trusted brand, 2 free conversions/day
• PDF.io: No file size limits

Method 2: Desktop Software (Professional)

Desktop applications offer advanced control over PDF creation from images.

Using Adobe Acrobat Pro:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro
2. Go to Tools > Create PDF
3. Click Single File > Choose File
4. Select your JPG image(s)
5. If multiple files, click Combine Files
6. Arrange image order
7. Click Create to generate PDF
8. Save your PDF

Using Microsoft Word:

1. Open Word, create new document
2. Insert > Pictures, select JPG files
3. Arrange images on pages
4. Resize/position as needed
5. File > Save As > PDF
6. Choose quality settings
7. Save PDF

Using GIMP (Free):

1. Open JPG in GIMP
2. For multiple images: Layers > Stack > Images as Layers
3. File > Export As
4. Choose PDF format
5. Set compression options
6. Export PDF

Advantages:

• Offline processing for sensitive images
• Advanced layout and positioning control
• Batch convert hundreds of images
• Add text, headers, footers
• Professional image editing before conversion
• No file size limitations

Method 3: Built-in System Tools (Free)

Both Windows and Mac offer free built-in JPG to PDF conversion.

On Mac (Preview):

1. Open JPG files in Preview
2. Select all images (Cmd+A)
3. File > Print (or Cmd+P)
4. Click PDF dropdown (bottom left)
5. Select Save as PDF
6. Choose location and save

On Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click JPG file(s)
2. Select Print
3. Choose Microsoft Print to PDF as printer
4. Click Print
5. Choose save location
6. PDF creates automatically

For multiple images:

1. Select all JPG files in folder
2. Right-click > Print
3. Choose Microsoft Print to PDF
4. All images combine into single PDF

Method 4: Programming Solution

Automate image-to-PDF conversion with Python for batch processing.

Using Pillow and img2pdf:

import img2pdf
from PIL import Image

# Single image conversion
with open('output.pdf', 'wb') as f:
    f.write(img2pdf.convert('image.jpg'))

# Multiple images to single PDF
images = ['image1.jpg', 'image2.jpg', 'image3.jpg']
with open('combined.pdf', 'wb') as f:
    f.write(img2pdf.convert(images))

# With custom page size (A4)
a4_size = (img2pdf.mm_to_pt(210), img2pdf.mm_to_pt(297))
layout = img2pdf.get_layout_fun(a4_size)

with open('a4_output.pdf', 'wb') as f:
    f.write(img2pdf.convert('image.jpg', layout_fun=layout))

Using PIL and ReportLab:

from PIL import Image
from reportlab.lib.pagesizes import letter
from reportlab.pdfgen import canvas

def jpg_to_pdf(image_path, pdf_path):
    img = Image.open(image_path)
    width, height = img.size

    # Create PDF with image dimensions
    c = canvas.Canvas(pdf_path, pagesize=(width, height))
    c.drawImage(image_path, 0, 0, width, height)
    c.save()

jpg_to_pdf('photo.jpg', 'output.pdf')

Batch Processing Script:

import os
import img2pdf

def batch_jpg_to_pdf(folder_path):
    for filename in os.listdir(folder_path):
        if filename.lower().endswith('.jpg'):
            jpg_path = os.path.join(folder_path, filename)
            pdf_path = os.path.join(folder_path, filename.replace('.jpg', '.pdf'))

            with open(pdf_path, 'wb') as f:
                f.write(img2pdf.convert(jpg_path))

            print(f'Converted: {filename}')

batch_jpg_to_pdf('/path/to/images')

Part 2: Convert Excel to PDF

Converting Excel spreadsheets to PDF ensures formatting consistency and creates non-editable document versions for sharing.

Understanding Excel to PDF Conversion

Excel to PDF conversion renders your spreadsheet as a fixed-layout document. All visible cells, formatting, charts, and images are preserved. Formulas display as their calculated values, not the formula itself.

Common Use Cases:

• Distributing financial reports
• Sharing data without allowing edits
• Creating printable invoices
• Archiving budget spreadsheets
• Presenting charts and graphs
• Submitting forms electronically

Method 1: Excel Built-in Export (Easiest)

Microsoft Excel includes native PDF export functionality.

In Microsoft Excel (Windows/Mac):

1. Open your Excel file
2. Review layout in Print Preview (File > Print)
3. Adjust page breaks if needed (Page Layout > Breaks)
4. Go to File > Save As
5. Choose PDF from format dropdown
6. Click Options to configure:
   • Entire Workbook: All sheets as separate PDF pages
   • Active Sheet: Current sheet only
   • Selection: Only selected cells
7. Set quality:
   • Standard: Best for online viewing and printing (150 DPI)
   • Minimum Size: Smaller file, web viewing only (96 DPI)
8. Click Save

Tips for Better Excel PDFs:

• Set print area before converting (Page Layout > Print Area > Set)
• Adjust page orientation (Portrait vs Landscape)
• Scale to fit: Page Layout > Scale to Fit (fit to 1 page width)
• Add headers/footers: Page Layout > Page Setup > Header/Footer
• Remove gridlines: View > uncheck Gridlines

Method 2: Online Excel to PDF Converter

Use our Excel to PDF tool for quick conversions without Excel installed.

Using Our Excel to PDF Converter:

1. Visit our Excel to PDF converter
2. Upload your .xlsx or .xls file
3. Select sheets to convert (all or specific)
4. Choose page orientation
5. Set fit-to-page options
6. Click "Convert to PDF"
7. Download converted PDF

Alternative Online Tools:

• Smallpdf: Converts XLSX, XLS, CSV to PDF
• iLovePDF: Batch Excel to PDF conversion
• Zamzar: Supports older Excel formats
• CloudConvert: Advanced conversion options

Advantages:

• No Excel installation needed
• Convert on mobile devices
• Quick for one-time conversions
• Free for basic use

Limitations:

• Less layout control than native Excel
• May not preserve complex formatting
• File size limits (typically 50-100 MB)
• Requires internet connection

Method 3: Google Sheets (Free Alternative)

Google Sheets offers free Excel to PDF conversion with cloud convenience.

Using Google Sheets:

1. Upload Excel file to Google Drive
2. Open with Google Sheets (converts automatically)
3. Review layout and formatting
4. Go to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf)
5. In PDF export dialog:
   • Choose sheets to export
   • Set page orientation
   • Select paper size
   • Set scale (Fit to width, Actual size, etc.)
   • Choose margins
6. Click Export
7. PDF downloads automatically

Advantages:

• Completely free
• No software installation
• Cloud-based access anywhere
• Collaborative editing before PDF export

Method 4: Command-Line Conversion

Automate Excel to PDF conversion for batch processing.

Using LibreOffice (Command Line):

# Install LibreOffice (includes headless mode)
# Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt-get install libreoffice

# Convert single Excel file to PDF
libreoffice --headless --convert-to pdf report.xlsx

# Batch convert all Excel files in folder
libreoffice --headless --convert-to pdf *.xlsx

# Output to specific directory
libreoffice --headless --convert-to pdf --outdir /output/folder file.xlsx

Using Python with openpyxl and ReportLab:

import openpyxl
from reportlab.lib.pagesizes import letter, landscape
from reportlab.platypus import SimpleDocTemplate, Table, TableStyle
from reportlab.lib import colors

def excel_to_pdf(excel_file, pdf_file):
    # Load Excel workbook
    wb = openpyxl.load_workbook(excel_file)
    sheet = wb.active

    # Extract data
    data = []
    for row in sheet.iter_rows(values_only=True):
        data.append(list(row))

    # Create PDF
    doc = SimpleDocTemplate(pdf_file, pagesize=landscape(letter))
    table = Table(data)

    # Style table
    table.setStyle(TableStyle([
        ('BACKGROUND', (0, 0), (-1, 0), colors.grey),
        ('TEXTCOLOR', (0, 0), (-1, 0), colors.whitesmoke),
        ('ALIGN', (0, 0), (-1, -1), 'CENTER'),
        ('FONTNAME', (0, 0), (-1, 0), 'Helvetica-Bold'),
        ('FONTSIZE', (0, 0), (-1, 0), 12),
        ('BOTTOMPADDING', (0, 0), (-1, 0), 12),
        ('BACKGROUND', (0, 1), (-1, -1), colors.beige),
        ('GRID', (0, 0), (-1, -1), 1, colors.black)
    ]))

    doc.build([table])

excel_to_pdf('data.xlsx', 'output.pdf')

Part 3: Image Resizer for PDF Optimization

Resizing images before PDF conversion reduces file sizes and ensures optimal quality.

Understanding Image Resizing for PDFs

Image resolution determines PDF quality and file size. Resizing adjusts pixel dimensions to match your intended use - web viewing requires less resolution than professional printing.

Key Concepts:

DPI (Dots Per Inch):

• 72 DPI: Screen viewing only, smallest files
• 150 DPI: Good for web PDFs and email, balanced size
• 300 DPI: Print quality, professional documents
• 600+ DPI: High-end printing, large files

Pixel Dimensions:

• A4 at 150 DPI: 1240 x 1754 pixels
• A4 at 300 DPI: 2480 x 3508 pixels
• Letter at 150 DPI: 1275 x 1650 pixels
• Letter at 300 DPI: 2550 x 3300 pixels

Method 1: Online Image Resizer

Use our Image Resizer tool for quick optimization before PDF conversion.

Using Our Image Resizer:

1. Visit our Image Resizer
2. Upload JPG, PNG, or WebP images
3. Choose resize method:
   • Percentage: Scale by % (e.g., 50% for half size)
   • Exact Dimensions: Set specific width/height
   • Max Dimensions: Fit within bounds while maintaining aspect ratio
4. Set quality (1-100)
5. Maintain aspect ratio (recommended)
6. Click "Resize Image"
7. Download optimized image

Common Resize Presets:

• Email PDF: 1200px width, 80% quality
• Web PDF: 1500px width, 75% quality
• Print PDF: 2400px width, 90% quality
• Archive PDF: Original size, 95% quality

Method 2: Desktop Image Editors

Professional image editors provide precise resizing control.

Using Photoshop:

1. Open image in Photoshop
2. Image > Image Size
3. Set resolution to 150 DPI (web) or 300 DPI (print)
4. Uncheck "Resample" to maintain quality
5. Or enter specific pixel dimensions with "Resample" checked
6. Choose resampling method: Bicubic Sharper for reduction
7. Click OK
8. File > Export > Save for Web (JPG, quality 60-80)

Using GIMP (Free):

1. Open image in GIMP
2. Image > Scale Image
3. Enter new dimensions (width/height)
4. Set X/Y resolution to 150 or 300
5. Choose Interpolation: Cubic for best quality
6. Click Scale
7. File > Export As > JPG
8. Set quality 75-90, click Export

Using IrfanView (Windows, Free):

1. Open image in IrfanView
2. Image > Resize/Resample
3. Enter new size (pixels or percentage)
4. Check "Resample" (better quality)
5. Choose filter: Lanczos (best quality)
6. Click OK
7. File > Save As > adjust quality

Method 3: Batch Image Resizing

Resize multiple images at once for efficient PDF creation.

Using ImageMagick (Command Line):

# Install ImageMagick
# Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install imagemagick
# Mac: brew install imagemagick

# Resize single image to 1500px width (maintains aspect ratio)
convert input.jpg -resize 1500x output.jpg

# Resize to specific dimensions (may distort)
convert input.jpg -resize 1500x2000! output.jpg

# Resize to maximum dimensions (fits within, maintains aspect)
convert input.jpg -resize 1500x2000 output.jpg

# Batch resize all JPGs in folder
for img in *.jpg; do
  convert "$img" -resize 1500x -quality 80 "resized_$img"
done

# Resize and set DPI
convert input.jpg -resize 2480x3508 -density 300 output.jpg

Using Python with Pillow:

from PIL import Image
import os

def resize_image(input_path, output_path, width=None, height=None, quality=85):
    img = Image.open(input_path)

    # Calculate new dimensions maintaining aspect ratio
    if width and not height:
        ratio = width / img.width
        height = int(img.height * ratio)
    elif height and not width:
        ratio = height / img.height
        width = int(img.width * ratio)

    # Resize
    img_resized = img.resize((width, height), Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)

    # Save with quality setting
    img_resized.save(output_path, quality=quality, optimize=True)

# Resize single image to 1500px width
resize_image('photo.jpg', 'photo_resized.jpg', width=1500, quality=80)

# Batch resize all images in folder
def batch_resize(folder, target_width=1500):
    for filename in os.listdir(folder):
        if filename.lower().endswith(('.jpg', '.jpeg', '.png')):
            input_path = os.path.join(folder, filename)
            output_path = os.path.join(folder, f'resized_{filename}')
            resize_image(input_path, output_path, width=target_width)
            print(f'Resized: {filename}')

batch_resize('/path/to/images')

Method 4: Bulk Rename and Resize Tools

Dedicated bulk image processors simplify large-scale resizing.

Using XnConvert (Windows/Mac/Linux, Free):

1. Download and install XnConvert
2. Add images (drag-and-drop or browse)
3. Go to Actions tab
4. Add action: Resize
5. Set dimensions and method
6. Add action: Change DPI (optional)
7. Go to Output tab
8. Choose output format and quality
9. Set destination folder
10. Click Convert to batch process

Using FastStone Photo Resizer (Windows, Free):

1. Open FastStone Photo Resizer
2. Add images from left panel
3. Check "Resize" option
4. Choose resize method:
   • Resize based on one side
   • Resize based on percentage
   • Exact size
5. Set dimensions
6. Choose output folder
7. Click Convert

Combining Operations: Complete Workflows

Workflow 1: Professional Photo Portfolio

Scenario: Create polished PDF portfolio from high-res photos

1. Resize images to 2400px width, 300 DPI, 90% quality
2. Convert to PDF with consistent A4 page size
3. Compress PDF if file size exceeds email limits
4. Add cover page using PDF Merger

Workflow 2: Financial Report Distribution

Scenario: Share Excel budget report as secure PDF

1. Format Excel spreadsheet (set print area, page breaks)
2. Convert to PDF preserving all sheets
3. Merge with cover letter PDF
4. Compress for email attachment

Workflow 3: Scanned Document Compilation

Scenario: Create searchable PDF from scanned page images

1. Resize scans to 150 DPI for web viewing
2. Convert JPGs to PDF in correct page order
3. Split PDF if individual pages needed
4. Use OCR tool to make PDF searchable (not covered here)

Workflow 4: Real Estate Listing PDF

Scenario: Combine property photos and details into PDF

1. Resize property photos to 1500px width, 80% quality
2. Convert images to PDF creating multi-page document
3. Convert Excel pricing sheet to PDF
4. Merge PDFs into complete listing package

Best Practices for Image/Document PDFs

1. Choose Appropriate Image Resolution

For Web Viewing:

• Resolution: 72-96 DPI or 1200-1500px width
• Quality: 60-75% JPEG
• File size target: Under 5 MB per PDF

For Email Attachments:

• Resolution: 150 DPI or 1500-1800px width
• Quality: 75-80% JPEG
• File size target: Under 10 MB per PDF

For Professional Printing:

• Resolution: 300 DPI or 2400-3000px width
• Quality: 85-95% JPEG
• File size: Quality over size

2. Optimize Images Before Conversion

Color Mode:

• RGB: Digital viewing, presentations
• CMYK: Professional printing (convert in Photoshop)
• Grayscale: Documents, text-heavy content

File Format:

• JPG: Photos, complex images with gradients
• PNG: Graphics with transparency, screenshots
• Resize to target: Don't embed 5000px images if PDF shows 1500px

3. Maintain Consistent Page Sizes

When converting multiple images to single PDF:

• Use same page size throughout (all A4 or all Letter)
• Set consistent orientation (all portrait or all landscape)
• Maintain uniform margins
• Consider image aspect ratios (don't stretch)

4. Excel to PDF Formatting Tips

Before Converting:

• Set explicit print area (Page Layout > Print Area)
• Preview each page (File > Print Preview)
• Add page breaks manually if needed
• Remove empty rows/columns outside print area
• Test on different page sizes (A4 vs Letter)

Layout Settings:

• Use Page Layout view while editing
• Set appropriate scaling (fit to 1 page wide)
• Repeat header rows on each page (Page Setup > Sheet > Rows to repeat at top)
• Remove gridlines if not needed
• Adjust margins for better fit

5. Batch Processing Efficiency

When Converting Many Files:

• Create naming convention (001_report.pdf, 002_budget.pdf)
• Organize source files in dedicated folder
• Use consistent settings across batch
• Process similar files together (all photos, then all spreadsheets)
• Keep originals in separate backup folder

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: PDF File Size Too Large

Problem: Converted PDF exceeds email attachment limits or loads slowly

Solutions:

• Resize images first: Use Image Resizer to reduce dimensions before conversion
• Lower DPI: 150 DPI sufficient for most digital viewing
• Reduce JPEG quality: 70-80% quality imperceptible to most viewers
• Compress after creation: Use PDF Compressor to reduce existing PDFs
• Split large PDFs: Use PDF Splitter to break into smaller files
• Remove unnecessary pages: Only include essential content

Issue 2: Blurry or Pixelated PDF Images

Problem: Images appear fuzzy or low-quality in resulting PDF

Solutions:

• Check source image quality: Can't improve poor original images
• Increase DPI: Use 200-300 DPI for clearer images
• Don't upscale: Resizing small images larger reduces quality
• Use lossless before final conversion: Edit in PNG, convert to JPG last
• Avoid multiple compressions: Each save as JPG degrades quality
• Use better resampling: Choose Bicubic/Lanczos when resizing

Issue 3: Excel PDF Cuts Off Content

Problem: Excel columns or rows missing in PDF output

Solutions:

• Set print area explicitly: Page Layout > Print Area > Set Print Area
• Adjust scaling: Page Layout > Scale to Fit > Width: 1 page
• Switch orientation: Landscape for wide spreadsheets
• Check page breaks: Page Layout > Breaks > view where pages split
• Reduce font sizes: Slightly smaller text fits more content
• Hide unnecessary columns: Hide columns E-Z if not needed
• Adjust margins: Page Setup > Margins > Narrow

Issue 4: Wrong Image Orientation in PDF

Problem: Images appear sideways or upside-down in PDF

Solutions:

• Rotate before conversion: Edit images first, save orientation
• Check EXIF data: Some converters ignore EXIF rotation tags
• Use image editor: Open in Photoshop/GIMP, rotate, save with "Save orientation"
• Online tool rotation: Many converters have built-in rotation tools
• Batch fix EXIF: Use exiftool to fix orientation metadata

Issue 5: Excel Formulas Show Instead of Values

Problem: PDF displays "=SUM(A1:A10)" instead of calculated result

Solutions:

• This shouldn't happen: Excel normally converts formulas to values in PDF
• Check calculation mode: Formulas > Calculation > Automatic
• Force recalculation: Press Ctrl+Alt+F9 (Windows) or Cmd+Option+F9 (Mac)
• Copy-paste as values: Select cells, Copy, Paste Special > Values
• Update before saving: Click any cell, press Enter, then save as PDF

Tools Comparison Table

Related Tools You Might Need

After converting images and documents to PDF, you might need these tools:

PDF Management:

• PDF Merger - Combine multiple PDFs into one
• PDF Splitter - Extract pages or divide PDFs
• PDF Compressor - Reduce PDF file sizes

PDF Conversion:

• PDF to EPUB - Convert PDFs to ebook format
• EPUB to PDF - Convert ebooks back to PDF
• PDF to Word - Extract PDF to editable Word
• Word to PDF - Convert Word documents to PDF
• PDF to JPG - Extract PDF pages as images
• PDF to Text - Extract text from PDFs

Image Conversion:

• PNG to JPG - Convert PNG to JPG format
• JPG to PNG - Convert JPG to PNG with transparency
• WebP to JPG - Convert modern WebP to JPG
• HEIC to JPG - Convert iPhone photos to JPG

All tools process files locally in your browser for maximum privacy and speed.

Conclusion

Converting images and documents to PDF is an essential digital skill in 2025. Whether you're creating professional portfolios from JPG photos, distributing formatted Excel reports, or optimizing images for perfect PDF quality, the right tools and techniques ensure professional results.

Quick Recommendations:

• For quick conversions: Use our online JPG to PDF, Excel to PDF, and Image Resizer tools
• For sensitive documents: Use desktop software like Adobe Acrobat or LibreOffice with offline processing
• For batch processing: Python scripts or command-line tools automate hundreds of conversions
• For best quality: Resize and optimize images first, then convert to PDF without additional compression

Master these conversions, bookmark this guide, and streamline your document creation workflow today.

Sources

• Smallpdf JPG to PDF
• Adobe: Convert JPG to PDF
• Microsoft: Save Excel workbook to PDF
• iLovePDF: Excel to PDF
• Adobe: Image Resolution Explained
• ImageMagick Documentation
• Pillow (PIL) Documentation