Converting a PDF file to JPG format is a common task that allows you to extract images from PDF documents. A JPG or JPEG image is a popular image format that can be easily viewed, edited and shared across devices. There are several free and paid tools that make converting PDFs to JPGs an easy process.
Why Convert a PDF to JPG?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to convert a PDF file to JPG:
- Extract images from a PDF document for reuse – Converting PDF pages into JPG images allows you to extract pictures, diagrams, screenshots and more for use in other applications.
- Edit PDF images – JPG images can be easily edited with photo editing software to crop, resize, filter and make other changes.
- Reduce file size – JPG files are usually much smaller in size than PDFs, so converting can reduce storage space.
- View PDF content as images – PDF documents may have restrictions that prevent copying text or editing content. Converting the pages to JPG images removes these restrictions.
- Share PDF visuals online – JPGs are web-friendly file formats that can be easily shared online and viewed across all operating systems and devices.
What You Need to Convert PDF to JPG
Converting a PDF document to JPG images can be done using desktop software, mobile apps and online converter tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- The PDF file – The PDF document that contains the images or pages you want to convert to JPG.
- PDF to JPG converter tool – A software application or web-based converter service that can batch convert PDF pages into separate JPG image files.
There are many free and paid PDF to JPG converter options available. We’ll highlight some of the best methods below.
Online PDF to JPG Converters
Online PDF to JPG converters provide a quick, hassle-free way to convert your PDFs. Here are some of the top choices:
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is the industry standard tool for working with PDF files. The online converter tool allows you to convert each page of a PDF file into a JPG while keeping the original PDF intact.
Pros:
- Trusted solution from the developers of PDF technology
- Convert each page or a custom page range
- Simple online converter requires no software installation
- Keep original PDF file after converting
Cons:
- Limited to 2GB file size
- Requires an Adobe ID account
Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a popular free online PDF converter with a simple drag-and-drop interface. It allows fast PDF to JPG conversion without size limits.
Pros:
- No account needed to use
- Unlimited free conversions
- Convert any number of PDF pages
- Simple interface for easy file uploads
Cons:
- Contains ads
- Registration required to unlock premium features
ILovePDF
ILovePDF markets itself as the easiest PDF conversion tool. It offers a free web app to convert PDFs into JPGs and other file formats.
Pros:
- Fast PDF conversions
- No registration required
- Clean, intuitive web interface
- Unlimited free conversions
Cons:
- Contains advertising
- No batch conversion
- Lacks advanced customization options
PDF2Go
PDF2Go has an easy-to-use PDF to JPG converter tool requiring no registration. Simply upload a file, choose settings, and download the converted JPG.
Pros:
- No account creation necessary
- Convert PDFs up to 50MB for free
- Download JPGs individually or as a ZIP file
- Select page range to convert
Cons:
- Contains ads
- No batch conversion
- Limited customization options
Docspal
Docspal offers a straight-forward PDF to JPG converter requiring just one upload. It delivers high-quality JPG images.
Pros:
- No sign-up required
- Convert multiple PDFs at once
- Download JPGs individually or in ZIP files
- Adjust JPG quality and DPI
Cons:
- Free version has limits
- Contains banner ads
- No PDF editing features
Desktop PDF to JPG Converters
If you prefer standalone software over online converters, there are some excellent desktop programs for converting PDF to JPG:
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is the leading premium PDF editor and converter tool. It offers robust options for exporting PDFs as JPGs.
Pros:
- Industry-standard PDF solution
- Batch export PDFs to JPG
- Adjust image size, resolution and compression
- Select specific page range to convert
Cons:
- Paid software costing $12.99-14.99 per month
- Steep learning curve
Microsoft Print to PDF
Microsoft Windows includes built-in PDF conversion tools. The Microsoft Print to PDF utility can create JPG images from PDF pages.
Pros:
- Free built-in Windows tool
- Simple process
- Wide device and operating system compatibility
- Retains original PDF after converting
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- One page at a time conversion
- Only available on Windows
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is the leading image editing app. The full version provides robust PDF to JPG conversion capabilities.
Pros:
- Advanced image editing features
- Control image quality and compression
- Select page range for conversion
- Industry standard photo editing tool
Cons:
- Paid subscription around $10-20 per month
- Steep learning curve
Preview (Mac)
Mac’s built-in Preview app includes simple PDF to image conversion features accessible from the print menu.
Pros:
- Free built-in tool for Mac
- Easy process for quick conversions
- Retains original PDF after converting
Cons:
- Very limited options and controls
- Only available on Mac OS
- One page at a time conversion
Mobile Apps for Converting PDF to JPG
There are also many mobile apps that make it easy to convert PDFs to JPG images right from your smartphone or tablet.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader for mobile provides basic PDF to JPG conversion features for free.
Pros:
- Trusted tool from Adobe
- Simple interface
- Works on both iOS and Android
- Preserve original PDF after converting
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Slow conversion speeds
- No batch conversion
CamScanner
CamScanner offers PDF conversion along with scanning and OCR functionality. The free version can convert PDFs into JPG images.
Pros:
- Feature-packed scanning and conversion app
- Available on iOS and Android
- Intuitive mobile interface
- Built-in sharing options
Cons:
- Free version has file number and size limits
- Contains ads
- Limited customization options
PDF to Image
PDF to Image is a PDF converter app focused solely on creating images from PDF files. It offers fast batch conversions.
Pros:
- Simple one-tap conversion
- Batch convert PDFs to JPG
- Customize JPG quality
- Free version available
Cons:
- Primarily designed for Android
- No OCR capabilities
- Contains some ads
Fast Scanner: Free PDF Scanner App
Fast Scanner can convert scanned PDFs into JPG images. It has basic editing tools to adjust images.
Pros:
- Free PDF to JPG conversion
- Intuitive mobile interface
- Image adjustment capabilities
- Available on iOS and Android
Cons:
- Designed for documents, not photos or graphics
- Contains ads
- No advanced customization options
How to Convert a PDF to JPG – Step by Step
Now that you know some of the top PDF to JPG converter options, let’s look at the step-by-step process for making the conversion:
Step 1: Choose Your PDF to JPG Converter
First, decide on the converter tool you want to use. Consider factors like:
- Platform (desktop, mobile, online)
- Cost
- Ease of use
- Customization options
- Conversion speed
Refer to our recommendations above to select a PDF to JPG converter that fits your needs.
Step 2: Upload Your PDF
Open your chosen converter tool and upload the PDF file you want to convert from your computer, cloud storage, or mobile device. Make sure it’s the complete PDF document.
Step 3: Select Conversion Options
Most PDF to JPG converters will allow you to customize the conversion settings and options:
- Page Range – Select single page or multiple page range to convert
- Image Quality – Higher resolution means larger file sizes
- Color Mode – Color, black & white, or grayscale JPG
- Naming – Custom or default naming convention for JPG files
Adjust settings according to your preferences and requirements.
Step 4: Convert PDF to JPG
Once setup is complete, run the PDF to JPG conversion process. Wait for the converter tool to process each page and output the final JPG images.
Step 5: Download the JPG Files
When conversion is finished, download the JPG images to your computer or device. Most tools will zip all the images into one JPG or ZIP file for easy transfer.
You now have your PDF file successfully converted into individual JPG images!
Tips for Converting PDF to JPG
Follow these tips to help ensure optimal PDF to JPG conversion:
- Use high quality PDFs – Low resolution PDFs produce blurry JPGs
- Convert in batches – Convert multiple PDF pages at once for efficiency
- Adjust DPI – Higher resolution means larger file sizes
- Check image formats – Some tools output JPEGs instead of JPGs
- Preview before converting – Confirm pages and quality look correct
- Name and organize – Properly name JPGs for easy identification
Conclusion
Converting PDF documents into JPG images is fast and simple with the right converter tool. Online converters provide quick, hassle-free PDF to JPG conversion. For advanced customization, desktop software like Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers robust options. And mobile apps give you the flexibility to convert PDFs on-the-go.
Follow the step-by-step process outlined above to easily convert your PDFs into high-quality JPG images. Just choose your converter, customize settings, run the conversion, and download. With the right PDF to JPG converter, you can unlock images and pictures from your PDF files for reuse across various applications.