How to Convert PNG to PDF

Before you start

PNG and PDF handle images differently. A PNG file stores one raster image with pixel dimensions and may include transparency. A PDF is a document format that can contain one or more pages, each holding an image or other content. Conversion usually places the PNG image on a PDF page. The process can be done locally with built-in tools, so no upload or online service is required. Confirm that the PNG file is accessible and note its file name and location before starting.

Step-by-step instructions

Convert on Windows

• Open File Explorer and locate the PNG file.
• Right-click the file and choose Print.
• In the printer list, select Microsoft Print to PDF.
• Check the page orientation and paper size settings.
• Select Print.
• Choose a destination and file name for the PDF, then save it.

Windows places the image on a PDF page using the selected paper size. If the image aspect ratio differs from the page, the result may include white space around the image. This method is reversible in the sense that the original PNG remains unchanged.

Convert on macOS

• Open the PNG in Preview.
• From the File menu, choose Export.
• Select PDF as the file format.
• Choose where to save the exported file.
• Click Save.

Preview creates a PDF page based on the image dimensions. If the PNG contains transparency, test the result in a PDF viewer because transparency support can vary depending on the viewer.

Convert on iPhone or iPad

• Open the PNG in the Photos app or Files app.
• Select the Share button.
• Choose Print.
• Use a two-finger outward pinch on the print preview to open the PDF preview.
• Tap the Share button again and choose Save to Files.

The final PDF is stored in the selected folder. The original image file remains available.

Convert on Android

• Open the PNG in the built-in photo viewer or Files app.
• Open the Share or Print command.
• Select Save as PDF or Print.
• Choose the PDF option if the device provides a Save as PDF destination.
• Pick a location and save the file.

Menu names differ between Android versions and phone brands. If the built-in option is not available, use a PDF printer destination when offered or check the app's export formats.

Check the output

Open the PDF in a desktop or mobile PDF viewer and compare it with the PNG. Look for unexpected cropping, added margins, or changes in orientation. If the PNG uses transparency, open the PDF in more than one viewer to confirm the transparent area appears as intended. The PDF file size may differ from the PNG because the file formats use different compression and structure. A larger or smaller file does not by itself indicate a problem.

Common problems and next steps

A common issue is unwanted white space around the image. This happens when the PDF page size does not match the PNG pixel dimensions or aspect ratio. Choose a paper size or page setup that matches the image proportions, or crop the page after conversion if the tool supports it.

If the image looks blurry or pixelated in the PDF, check whether the conversion resampled it. Use the original PNG rather than a reduced preview, and avoid repeatedly saving a lossy intermediate version before creating the PDF.

Converting a PDF back to PNG is a different task. A PDF page can contain multiple objects, so the output is normally a rendered raster image. Built-in PDF viewers usually do not export PNG directly, but they may offer export or screenshot tools that produce an image from the visible page.