How to Convert a PDF to JPG or PNG

ConvertingUpdated Sep 23, 2026
Quick answer

On Mac, open the PDF in Preview and File > Export > Format: JPEG or PNG (one page at a time). On Windows, use a free online PDF-to-JPG converter, or take a screenshot with Win+Shift+S. Adobe Acrobat and many online tools can export every page at once.

Two different goals

  1. Convert each page into an image. Most common, e.g. to post a page on social media or insert it into a slide.
  2. Extract the images inside the PDF. Get the original photos out at their embedded resolution.

Mac (Preview)

  1. Open the PDF in Preview and select the page in the sidebar.
  2. File > Export…
  3. Format: JPEG or PNG. Set resolution (e.g. 150 or 300 pixels/inch).
  4. Save. Repeat for other pages.

Windows

  • Screenshot: zoom the page to fill the screen, press Win+Shift+S, and select the area. Quick for one page.
  • Online converter: upload the PDF and download a ZIP of all pages as JPGs.
  • Adobe Acrobat (paid): File > Export To > Image > JPEG.

iPhone and Android

  • Take a screenshot of the page in your PDF viewer.
  • Or use an online PDF-to-JPG tool in the browser.

Extracting embedded images

  • Online “extract images from PDF” tools pull out originals.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: Export PDF > Image > Export all images.
  • Command line (free): pdfimages -all input.pdf prefix from the Poppler utilities.

Frequently asked questions

JPG or PNG — which should I choose?

JPG gives smaller files and suits photos and scans. PNG is lossless and better for text, diagrams and screenshots where you want crisp edges.

What resolution should I export at?

150 DPI for screen use and sharing, 300 DPI for printing or when you need to zoom into details.

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