How to convert a screenshot to PDF on Mac and iPhone: Step-by-step guide

Creating guides and instructions is an essential part of my job, and it often involves converting screenshots into PDFs. In the past, I would simply upload screenshots to an online converter and download them as PDFs. However, when I started working with top organizations, sharing sensitive documents with insecure third-party websites became a big no-no. In addition, my colleagues needed to provide feedback, add comments, and annotate the PDFs. This meant I needed tools that went beyond basic screenshot-to-PDF conversion. And I found some!

In this guide, I’ll show you how to turn a screenshot into a PDF securely with annotation, redaction, multiple screenshot conversion, and other advanced functionalities.

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How to convert a screenshot to PDF: Step-by-step methods

Now, let’s dive into different methods and tools to convert the screenshot into PDFs, including the pros and cons of each. 

Process multiple screenshots into PDF in bulk

Imagine you have up to twenty screenshots you want to use in your presentation. Converting it into PDF one at a time will not only waste your time but also frustrate you. But you don’t have to worry; Permute allows you to do this efficiently and seamlessly. 

Here is how to turn screenshots into a PDF in bulk with Permute:

1. Download and open Permute.
2. Drag the screenshots into Permute, or use the + icon in the bottom left corner to choose manually.
3. Choose PDF from the drop-down menu in the upper left corner.
4. Click the Play icon to start converting. 

   

By default, the converted images will be automatically saved as separate PDFs in the original folder, but you can change this in the settings.

Permute handles bulk screenshot-to-PDF conversion in seconds. It's available on Setapp alongside 250+ other Mac apps. Try them all free for 7 days, cancel anytime.

Also, check out the PDF editor methods to try this year.

Convert screenshots to PDF directly from Finder

If you don't need complex annotations or PDF editing, Finder's Quick Actions are the fastest route. And it's built-in itnto your Mac.

To turn a single screenshot into a PDF:

1. Right-click on the screenshot.
2. Select Quick Actions.
3. Click Create PDF.

To convert multiple screenshots to PDF, follow a similar procedure.

1. Select all the screenshots at once.
2. Right-click the screenshots.
3. Choose Quick Actions > Create PDF.

Also, try this free tool to convert HIEC to PDF on Mac.

Export screenshots as PDF using Preview on Mac

The Preview functionality on a Mac also allows you to export screenshots directly as PDFs. Simply open the screenshot you would like to convert, go to the app menu, and select File > Export as PDF.

This method works well for single screenshots. If you need to batch convert or add annotations, read on.

Convert and annotate screenshots with advanced PDF editors

There are times when you need to edit converted screenshots in PDF format. This requires using powerful PDF editing software, and my recommendation is Nitro PDF Pro. 

With it, you can: 

• Make annotations
• Highlight,
• Add digital signatures. 
• Other capabilities include adding notes, exchanging feedback, and redacting sensitive information from converted screenshots to PDFs.

Here’s how to convert screenshots to PDFs on a MacBook using Nitro PDF Pro:

1. Download and open Nitro PDF Pro.
2. Choose the image or images you need. If you don’t see a window with a prompt, go to File > Open, and choose a file. 
3. Click on File from the app menu and select Export.
4. Check your preferred language and select the format. I’m using Normal PDF/A-1b here.
5. Save the screenshot as a PDF in any folder of your choice. 

Combine multiple screenshots into one PDF with advanced editors

You can also combine multiple images into one PDF file, adjusting the image parameters. For this, you’ll also need something advanced, like Nitro PDF Pro.

1. Open Nitro PDF Pro.
2. Drag and drop the screenshots to the left pane.
3. Click File > Create Optimized PDF.
4. Adjust the image settings and click Create.

   

This way, you get a lightweight (or not, if you prefer) PDF that's just right for your needs.

Alternatively, you can use Prizmo to convert saved screenshots to PDF format:

1. Download, install, and launch Prizmo.
2. Click new Document > Open File Image and select the screenshots.
3. Click the share icon and choose your preferred format.
4. Click Export to File.

Prizmo also has exciting functionalities, including comprehensive file format support, advanced OCR capabilities, and text transformation features. This means you can extract, reorder, edit PDF files on Mac, and translate texts into many languages. 

How to turn screenshots into PDFs on iPhone and iPad

Using a mobile device doesn’t prevent you from converting screenshots into PDFs. iPhones and iPads have built-in tools that allow you to turn a screenshot into a PDF. 

Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to make a screenshot of a PDF on an iPhone:

1. Open the screenshot in Photo and tap the share icon. 
2. Tap Save to Files (you need to scroll the options down), and note the folder. 

   

3. Open the file from the Files folder, tap the share icon, and select Print.
4. Instead of printing, tap the share icon again, and you will see that the screenshot has been converted into a shareable PDF format. 

   

Now, you can either save it as a file or share it directly as a PDF. You can also learn how to export iPhone messages to PDF.

This option is free, but rather tricky. If you need something more straightforward, I recommend starting with Prizmo for iOS to create PDFs on iPhone:

1. Download Prizmo and open it on your iPhone.
2. Click on a cut circle icon and choose the image source (Last Picture, Photo Album, Import File).
3. Choose the screenshot > Add.
4. Click the PDF in the lower left corner.

   

That’s it. Now, you can share or save the file. Alternatively, you can edit a file before saving it. The app can help you edit the text, read it out loud, adjust colors, etc.

Another great option is Nitro PDF Pro for iOS:

1. Download Nitro PDF Pro and open it on your iPhone.
2. Click Create Document.
3. Choose Create from Photo.
4. Choose a screenshot or a photo.

You’re done. The image is now a PDF!

Tips for converting screenshots to PDF online

If security isn't a concern, online platforms are a quick option. Adobe is one of the most popular, though you can also try ilovepdf, SmallPDF, and Zamzar.

Here are the steps on how to change a screenshot to a PDF online:

1. Choose an online PDF conversion tool.
2. Look for options like Create PDF, Convert to PDF, or similar on the website.
3. Upload your screenshot. Most tools allow you to upload files from your computer by browsing or dragging and dropping. Supported image formats typically include PNG, JPEG, BMP, and others.
4. Click Convert to PDF or a similar button. 

After conversion, you can download the PDF file to your computer or cloud storage. Many tools also offer options to share the PDF via email or a sharable link.

Benefits of turning screenshots into PDF files

Converting screenshots to PDF does more than change a file format. Here's why it matters:

• Work across devices: PDFs preserve formatting perfectly, whether saving screenshots as PDFs on a Mac, PC, iPhone, or iPad.
• Extract and search text with OCR: Advanced PDF editors enable searching and editing text directly from screenshot PDFs using optical character recognition (OCR).
• Organize documents better: When sharing multiple images, combining selected screenshots into one PDF document keeps everything organized instead of disorganized, loose files.
• Compress files efficiently: Images take up much space, but you can save screenshots as PDFs in a compressed format. For example, with PDF Squeezer, you can compress a 7 MB screenshot to 1MB with close to zero quality loss.
• Annotate and edit: Screenshot-to-PDF tools allow you to highlight, add notes, and even record audio annotations—extremely useful for marking up images. I use Nitro PDF Pro for this.
• Secure sharing: PDFs allow password protection and restricted access, keeping sensitive screenshots safe when sharing with colleagues or family.

Examples of use:

• Professional: Combine meeting screenshots, workflow diagrams, and client feedback into a single PDF for easy reference.

• Personal: Save travel photos, receipts, or recipes as PDFs to keep memories organized and searchable.

For iPhone users, you can also export iPhone messages to a PDF to preserve conversations neatly and securely.

Best premium apps for screenshot-to-PDF conversion

How to turn a screenshot into a PDF on a Mac? While built-in tools like Preview and Finder can handle basic screenshot-to-PDF conversions, they have limitations for professional workflows involving annotations, combining multiple files, compression, OCR, and other advanced capabilities.

For these features, you'll want to use robust PDF editors like Nitro PDF Pro and Prizmo, which both work on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. If you just need bulk conversion, Permute is the best option. All three apps are available via Setapp Membership alongside 250+ other Mac and iOS apps. You can install, try, and uninstall freely without paying per app.