Converting JPG to PDF on Windows

JPEG (or JPG) is one of the most common image formats, but sometimes you need to convert these images to PDF for better document integration, professional presentations, or easier sharing. This guide covers multiple methods to convert JPG images to PDF format on Windows computers.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Print to PDF (Built-in)

Windows 10 and 11 come with a built-in PDF printer that makes conversion simple:

Step 1: Open Your JPG Image

1. Locate your JPG file in File Explorer
2. Right-click on it and select “Open with” > “Photos” or your preferred image viewer

Step 2: Print to PDF

1. Press Ctrl+P or click on the print icon
2. From the printer dropdown, select “Microsoft Print to PDF”
3. Adjust page settings as needed (size, orientation, margins)
4. Click “Print”
5. Choose where to save your PDF file
6. Name the file and click “Save”

This method works with any program that supports printing, including Windows Photos, Paint, or web browsers.

Method 2: Using Microsoft Word or Office

If you have Microsoft Office installed:

Step 1: Insert Images into Word

1. Open Microsoft Word and create a new document
2. Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon
3. Select “Pictures” > “This Device…”
4. Browse to and select your JPG image(s)
5. Click “Insert”
6. Adjust the image size and position as needed

Step 2: Save as PDF

1. Click on “File” > “Save As”
2. Choose where to save the file
3. From the “Save as type” dropdown, select “PDF”
4. Click “Save”

This method is particularly useful when you need to combine multiple JPG images into a single PDF document.

Method 3: Using Windows Photos App

The built-in Photos app offers a simple way to convert images:

Step 1: Open the JPG in Photos

1. Right-click on your JPG file
2. Select “Open with” > “Photos”

Step 2: Convert to PDF

1. With the image open, click the three-dot menu in the top right
2. Select “Print”
3. Choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” from the printer dropdown
4. Adjust settings as needed
5. Click “Print”
6. Choose a location, name the file, and click “Save”

Method 4: Using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (Free)

Adobe’s free PDF reader also offers conversion capabilities:

Step 1: Install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

1. Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC if you don’t already have it

Step 2: Create PDF from JPG

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
2. Click on “Tools” in the top menu
3. Select “Create PDF”
4. Click “Select files” and browse to your JPG image(s)
5. Select one or multiple JPG files
6. Click “Create” to generate the PDF
7. Go to “File” > “Save As” to save the PDF to your desired location

Method 5: Using Free Third-Party Software

Several free specialized tools offer more features:

Option 1: IrfanView

1. Download and install IrfanView
2. Open your JPG image in IrfanView
3. Press F12 or go to “File” > “Save As”
4. Select “PDF” from the “Save as type” dropdown
5. Click “Save”

Option 2: GIMP

1. Download and install GIMP
2. Open your JPG image in GIMP
3. Go to “File” > “Export As”
4. Change the file extension to “.pdf”
5. Click “Export”
6. Adjust PDF settings if needed and click “Export”

Option 3: PDF24 Creator

1. Download and install PDF24 Creator
2. Open the program and click “Add Files”
3. Select your JPG image(s)
4. Click “Create PDF” or adjust settings and then create
5. Save the resulting PDF

Method 6: Using Online Converters (No Installation)

If you prefer not to install software:

1. Open your web browser
2. Visit an online converter such as:
   • SmallPDF
   • ILovePDF
   • Adobe Online Converter
3. Upload your JPG image(s)
4. Follow the site’s instructions to convert
5. Download the resulting PDF

Batch Converting Multiple JPG Images to PDF

Using Windows Explorer and Print to PDF

1. Select all JPG images in File Explorer (Ctrl+click for multiple selections)
2. Right-click and select “Print”
3. Choose “Microsoft Print to PDF”
4. Adjust layout options as needed
5. Click “Print” and save the file

Using PDF24 Creator

1. Open PDF24 Creator
2. Click “Add Files” and select all your JPG images
3. Arrange the images in the desired order
4. Click “Create PDF”
5. Save the PDF file

Using IrfanView

1. Open IrfanView
2. Go to “File” > “Batch Conversion/Rename”
3. Add all your JPG files
4. Set output format to PDF
5. Set output directory
6. Check “Use advanced options” and click “Advanced”
7. Check “Save multi-page file (TIFF/PDF/JXR/DCX/GIF)”
8. Click “Start Batch”

Adjusting PDF Quality and Size

Increasing PDF Quality

• When using Microsoft Print to PDF, select high-quality print settings
• In specialized software, look for quality or DPI settings
• Use “High Quality Print” or “Press Quality” presets when available

Reducing PDF File Size

• Use “Smallest File Size” option when available
• In Adobe Acrobat, use the “Reduce File Size” option
• In online converters, look for compression options
• Lower the image resolution before conversion (if quality isn’t critical)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Blurry Images in PDF

• Ensure you’re using high-quality settings during conversion
• Check that your source JPG is high resolution
• Avoid excessive resizing of the image

PDF Too Large

• Consider compressing your JPG images before conversion
• Use “Web Quality” or “Small Size” presets
• Convert images in batches rather than one large file

Orientation Problems

• Use the “Orientation” settings in the print dialog
• Rotate the image properly before conversion
• Check “Autorotate” options if available

Conclusion

Converting JPG to PDF on Windows is straightforward with multiple options available. For quick, one-off conversions, the built-in Microsoft Print to PDF feature works perfectly. For batch conversions or more advanced needs, third-party tools like IrfanView or PDF24 Creator provide additional functionality.

Choose the method that best fits your specific requirements, considering factors like the number of images, quality needs, and whether you need additional PDF features like searchable text or compression.