Table of Contents
JPEG is probably the most common file format used to store and share images. However, sometimes you might want to store them as a single PDF document. Perhaps you want a cleaner PDF presentation of multiple images, or maybe you want to send them to someone who doesn’t have a JPEG viewer. Whatever your reason, this blog post will show you how to convert multiple JPEGs into one PDF on a Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Convert Multiple JPEGs into One PDF on Mac
Here are some reasons why you might want to convert multiple JPEGs into one PDF:
- You need to send multiple images in one file, and sending them as individual JPEGs would be tedious.
- You want to view multiple images as a single document.
- You want to print or save multiple images as one file.
- You want to encrypt or password protect multiple images as a single file.
- You want to compress multiple images into a single file.
Method 1: Using Preview
Preview is a pre-installed app on all Macs. It mainly functions as a PDF viewer, but it can also be used for some simple editing tasks. Here’s how to use Preview to convert multiple JPEGs into one PDF:
1. Open the images in Preview.
2. Use the left-hand navigation pane to select all the images you want to combine into a single PDF.
3. Go to the "File" menu and choose "Print."
4. In the pop-up dialogue box, choose "Save as PDF" as the destination.
5. Preview will then combine all the selected images into a single PDF file.
Pros:
– Preview is a free and pre-installed app that can be found on every Mac.
– It is easy to use and doesn’t require any additional software.
Cons:
– Preview can only combine images into a single PDF. It doesn’t offer any advanced features or options.
Method 2: Using Automator
Automator is another pre-installed app on all Macs. It is a tool that allows you to automate repetitive tasks by creating simple workflows. Here’s how to use Automator to convert multiple JPEGs into one PDF:
1. Open Automator.
2. Choose "Workflow" as the type of document you want to create.
3. In the left-hand search bar, type "Images" to find the "Get Specified Finder Items" action. Drag this action into the main workflow area.
4. Click the "Add" button, and then select all the images you want to combine into a single PDF.
5. In the left-hand search bar, type "PDF" to find the "New PDF from Images" action. Drag this action into the main workflow area.
6. Choose any customization options you want for the generated PDF.
7. In the "File" menu, choose "Export."
8. Select "Application" as the file format and save it to your desktop.
9. Drag and drop your JPEGs onto the application icon. Automator will then combine all the images into a single PDF file.
Pros:
– Automator allows for more customization options than Preview.
– The workflow can be saved and reused in the future.
Cons:
– Automator can be complicated to use for first-time users.
– The generated app may not be compatible with future Mac OS updates.
Method 3: Using Adobe Acrobat DC
If you’re looking for a professional and comprehensive solution, Adobe Acrobat DC is the most popular choice. It is the industry-standard software when it comes to creating and editing PDFs. Here’s how to use Adobe Acrobat DC to convert multiple JPEGs into one PDF:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat DC.
2. Click "Create PDF" on the Home screen.
3. Select "Multiple Files" and then "Combine Files."
4. Click "Add Files," and then select all the JPEGs you want to merge. Alternatively, you can drag and drop them into the window.
5. Rearrange the files if needed, and then click "Combine Files."
6. Choose any customization options you want for the generated PDF.
7. Click "Save."
Pros:
– Adobe Acrobat DC offers the most comprehensive PDF editing and customization options.
– It is the industry-standard software and is widely used, which means you will have access to tons of online resources.
Cons:
– Adobe Acrobat DC isn’t free – you need to pay for a subscription to use it.
– It can be overwhelming for first-time users who only need to perform simple tasks.
What to Do If You Can’t Convert Multiple JPEGs into One PDF on Mac
If you encounter any issues while converting multiple JPEGs into one PDF on Mac, don’t worry. Here are some potential fixes:
– If Preview doesn’t work, try closing and reopening the app or restarting your Mac.
– If Automator generates an error, make sure all the actions are correctly arranged in the workflow area.
– If Adobe Acrobat DC isn’t working, try updating the software or reinstalling it.
Bonus Tip
If you want to further customize your PDFs, you can use additional software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP to edit the individual images before combining them into one PDF.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I merge other file types into a PDF?
A: Yes. While this post focuses on merging JPEGs into one PDF, you can also combine other file types like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents.
Q: Is there a file size limit for merged PDFs?
A: The file size limit will depend on the software you use. Most free apps like Preview have a small limit, while paid software like Adobe Acrobat DC can handle much larger files.
Q: Can I add a password to the merged PDF?
A: Yes. Adobe Acrobat DC offers advanced security features like password protection and encryption.
Q: Can I select the compression rate for the merged PDF?
A: Yes. Most software, including Preview and Adobe Acrobat DC, allows you to customize the compression rate for the generated PDF.
Q: Can I merge images in a specific order?
A: Yes. Most software, including Preview and Adobe Acrobat DC, offers the ability to rearrange images before merging them into a single PDF.
Final Thoughts
Converting multiple JPEGs into one PDF on Mac is a simple and useful skill to have. Whether you’re sending images to a client, creating a presentation, or just organizing your files, combining JPEGs into a single PDF file is a great way to simplify your workflow. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with enough information to convert multiple JPEGs into one PDF on Mac with any of the methods outlined.