Converting JPG to PDF on iOS

Converting JPG images to PDF format directly on your iPhone or iPad is easy with iOS’s built-in tools. Whether you need to convert a single photo or combine multiple images into one document, this guide covers all the methods available for creating PDFs from JPG images on iOS devices.

Method 1: Using the Files App

The Files app in iOS provides a straightforward way to convert images to PDF:

Step 1: Move Your JPG Images to Files

Open the Photos app
Select the JPG image(s) you want to convert
Tap the Share button (square with up arrow)
Select “Save to Files”
Choose a location (like On My iPhone or iCloud Drive)
Tap “Save”

Step 2: Convert to PDF

Open the Files app
Navigate to where you saved the JPG image
Long-press on the image
From the context menu, select “Create PDF”
iOS will instantly create a PDF version of your image
The new PDF will appear next to the original JPG
You can rename it by tapping on the file name

Method 2: Using the Photos App and Print Option

iOS’s print functionality includes a hidden PDF conversion feature:

Step 1: Select Your JPG Image(s)

Open the Photos app
Select the JPG image you want to convert
Tap the Share button (square with up arrow)

Step 2: Use Print to Create PDF

Scroll down in the share sheet and tap “Print”
In the Printer Options screen, use a pinch-out gesture on the preview (place two fingers on the image and spread them apart)
This will transform the preview into a full-screen PDF view
Tap the Share button again (now in the bottom-left corner)
Choose “Save to Files” to save the PDF to your preferred location

Converting Multiple JPGs to a Single PDF

In the Photos app, select multiple images by tapping “Select” and choosing your images
Tap the Share button
Select “Print”
The preview will show all selected images as pages
Use the pinch-out gesture on the preview
Tap the Share button
Save the multi-page PDF to your preferred location

Method 3: Using the Books App

Apple’s Books app can also help convert images to PDF:

Open the Photos app and select your JPG image
Tap the Share button
Scroll through the share options and select “Books”
The image will be converted to a PDF and added to your Books library
To export this PDF, open the Books app
Long-press on the PDF
Select “Share” and choose where to save or send the file

Method 4: Using Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app offers powerful automation for converting images:

Step 1: Create a JPG to PDF Shortcut

Open the Shortcuts app
Tap the ”+” button to create a new shortcut
Tap “Add Action”
Search for “Select Photos” and add it
Tap ”+” again and search for “Make PDF” and add it
Tap ”+” again and search for “Save File” and add it
Tap the “Save File” action to configure it
Set “Ask Where to Save” to “On”
Tap “Done” to save your shortcut
Give it a name like “JPG to PDF”

Step 2: Run the Shortcut

Tap on your newly created shortcut
Select the JPG images you want to convert
Tap “Add” in the upper right
Choose where to save the resulting PDF
Tap “Save”

Method 5: Using Third-Party Apps

Several iOS apps specialize in file conversion:

Option 1: Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free)

Download “Adobe Acrobat Reader” from the App Store
Open the app
Tap the ”+” icon at the bottom
Select “Create PDF”
Choose “From Photos”
Select your JPG image(s)
The app will create a PDF
Tap “Share” to save or send the PDF

Option 2: Documents by Readdle (Free)

Download “Documents by Readdle” from the App Store
Open the app
Tap the ”+” button and select “Import from Photos”
Select your JPG image(s)
Once imported, tap on the image
Tap the Share button
Select “Convert to PDF”
Save or share the resulting PDF

Option 3: PDF Converter by Readdle (Paid)

Download “PDF Converter” from the App Store
Open the app
Select “Photos to PDF”
Choose your JPG image(s)
Tap “Convert”
Adjust settings if needed
Tap “Done” and save your PDF

Optimizing PDFs on iOS

Adjusting PDF Quality

When using third-party apps, look for quality settings during conversion
Some apps offer presets like “Small Size,” “Medium Quality,” or “High Quality”
For documents with text, choose higher quality settings
For simple images, medium quality is often sufficient

Managing PDF Size

To reduce PDF size, consider:
- Compressing your JPG images before conversion
- Using “Small Size” options in conversion apps
- Reducing image resolution if extremely high quality isn’t needed

Editing Your PDF After Conversion

iOS provides some basic PDF editing capabilities:

Using Markup

Open your PDF in Files app
Tap the PDF to view it
Tap the Markup icon (pen tip)
Use the tools to add annotations, signatures, text, or shapes
Tap “Done” when finished

Using Third-Party Apps for Advanced Editing

Adobe Acrobat Reader (free with in-app purchases)
PDF Expert by Readdle (paid)
GoodNotes (paid)

These apps offer more extensive editing features like:

Text editing
Page rearrangement
Form filling
PDF merging and splitting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

PDF Too Large

Compress your JPG images before conversion
Try a different conversion method
Use apps with compression options

Poor Image Quality

Check if your original JPG is high resolution
Use higher quality settings during conversion
Avoid excessive zooming or cropping before conversion

Multiple Images Disordered

When converting multiple images to a single PDF, check if the app allows reordering
In the Files app method, convert images individually, then combine PDFs using a PDF editor

Conclusion

Converting JPG to PDF on iOS is straightforward with the built-in tools and doesn’t require any additional apps for basic conversions. The Files app and the Print-to-PDF method are quick solutions for most users. For more complex needs or batch processing, the Shortcuts app or third-party applications provide additional functionality.

Whether you’re preparing documents for work, creating a portfolio, or just need to share images in a more professional format, iOS offers multiple convenient ways to convert your JPGs to PDFs directly on your device.