Converting photos to PDF on your iPhone is useful for creating documents, submitting forms, sharing multiple images in one file, or archiving photos in a universally readable format. The good news is you don't need to download any apps—iOS has built-in features, and browser-based tools work perfectly on mobile Safari.
Why Convert Photos to PDF?
Before diving into the methods, here's why you might want to convert photos to PDF:
- Document submission: Many forms and applications require PDF uploads
- Combining multiple photos: Create a single document from several images
- Universal compatibility: PDFs open on any device without special software
- Professional appearance: PDFs look more polished than raw image files
- Preserving layout: Control how images appear on pages
- Easy sharing: Single file to send instead of multiple images
Method 1: Using the Print Dialog (Built-in iOS)
This is the quickest method and requires no additional tools—just iOS's built-in functionality.
Steps
- Open the Photos app
- Select the photo(s) you want to convert
- Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
- Scroll down and tap Print
- On the print preview, pinch outward on the preview image with two fingers
- The preview expands into a full PDF view
- Tap the Share button again
- Choose Save to Files or share directly
How This Works
The "pinch to expand" gesture on the print preview converts the print job into a PDF file. This hidden feature has been in iOS for years but isn't widely known.
Limitations
- Limited control over page size and layout
- Can be tricky to get the pinch gesture right
- Photos are sized to fit standard paper dimensions
Method 2: Using the Files App (iOS 15+)
The Files app gained PDF creation capabilities in iOS 15.
Steps for Single Photo
- Open Photos and select your image
- Tap Share → Save to Files
- Save to a location in the Files app
- Open the Files app
- Navigate to the saved image
- Long-press the image and select Quick Actions → Create PDF
Steps for Multiple Photos
- In the Files app, navigate to a folder with your images
- Tap the ... (more) button
- Select Select and choose your images
- Tap the ... button at the bottom
- Choose Create PDF
Advantages
- Creates clean, properly sized PDFs
- Works with multiple images
- Integrates with iCloud and other cloud storage
- No internet connection required
Limitations
- Must first save photos to Files app
- Extra steps compared to other methods
Method 3: Using a Browser-Based Converter
Browser-based tools work directly in Safari and offer more control over the output.
Using Our Image to PDF Converter
- Open Safari on your iPhone
- Navigate to our Image to PDF Converter
- Tap the upload area
- Select Photo Library and choose your photos
- Drag to reorder if needed
- Choose page size (A4, Letter, or Fit to Image)
- Tap Convert to PDF
- Save to Files or share directly
Why Browser-Based Tools Work Well
- Mobile-optimized interface: Large buttons designed for touch
- Privacy-first: Files process locally on your device, never uploaded
- More options: Page size, quality, and layout controls
- Multiple photos: Easy reordering and combination
- No app required: Works in any browser
Advantages
- Full control over output
- Combines multiple images easily
- Works on any iOS version
- No app store downloads
Method 4: Using the Notes App
Notes can create PDFs from scanned documents, but also works with photos.
Steps
- Open the Notes app
- Create a new note or open an existing one
- Tap the camera icon
- Select Choose Photo or Video
- Select your photos
- Once added, tap the Share button
- Choose Print
- Use the pinch-to-expand gesture on the preview
- Save or share the PDF
Advantages
- Good for combining photos with text notes
- Integrated scanning features
- Syncs across Apple devices
Limitations
- Extra steps to add photos to note
- Less control over PDF layout
- Photos appear within note formatting
Method 5: Using Shortcuts App
For repeated tasks, iOS Shortcuts can automate photo-to-PDF conversion.
Creating a Photo to PDF Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts app
- Tap + to create a new shortcut
- Add action: Select Photos (allow multiple selection)
- Add action: Make PDF from Photos
- Add action: Share
- Name your shortcut (e.g., "Photos to PDF")
- Tap Done
Using the Shortcut
- Run the shortcut from the Shortcuts app, or
- Add it to your home screen for quick access, or
- Access it from the Share Sheet in Photos
Advantages
- One-tap conversion once set up
- Customizable workflow
- Can add to home screen
- Process multiple photos quickly
Limitations
- Initial setup required
- Limited page layout options
- Requires familiarity with Shortcuts app
Comparing the Methods
| Method | Ease of Use | Control | Multiple Photos | Offline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Dialog | Easy | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Files App | Medium | Medium | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Tool | Easy | High | Yes | After load |
| Notes App | Medium | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Shortcuts | Hard setup, easy use | Medium | Yes | Yes |
Tips for Better PDF Results
Photo Selection
- Resolution: Higher resolution photos produce clearer PDFs
- Orientation: Group portrait and landscape photos separately for consistent layouts
- Order: Arrange photos in the desired page order before converting
Quality Settings
When using tools with quality options:
- 90-100%: Best for documents you'll print
- 70-85%: Good balance for sharing via email
- Below 70%: Only for previews or when file size is critical
Page Size Considerations
- A4: Standard international paper size
- Letter: Standard US paper size
- Fit to Image: Preserves photo aspect ratio
Choose based on how the PDF will be used. For printing, match your paper size. For digital sharing, "Fit to Image" often looks best.
Handling HEIC Photos
If your iPhone captures photos in HEIC format (default since iOS 11), most PDF conversion methods handle this automatically. However, if you encounter issues:
- Convert HEIC to JPEG first using our HEIC to JPG Converter
- Then convert the JPEG to PDF
- Or change your iPhone's camera format to "Most Compatible" in Settings → Camera → Formats
Common Use Cases
Submitting Documents
When an application requires document upload:
- Photograph the document in good lighting
- Use the Files app method for clean results
- Name the PDF clearly before uploading
Creating Photo Albums
To share multiple photos as a single document:
- Use a browser-based converter for best control
- Arrange photos in your preferred order
- Consider page layout (one photo per page vs. multiple)
Archiving Receipts
For expense tracking or records:
- Photograph receipts promptly
- Convert to PDF for long-term storage
- Store in a dedicated folder in Files or iCloud
School or Work Assignments
When submitting photo-based assignments:
- Take clear photos of your work
- Convert to PDF for professional presentation
- Check file size limits before submitting
Troubleshooting
PDF is Too Large
- Reduce image quality in converter settings
- Resize large photos before converting
- Use fewer photos per PDF
Photos Appear Cropped
- Use "Fit to Image" page size option
- Avoid mixing portrait and landscape in same conversion
- Try a different conversion method
Quality Looks Poor
- Start with higher resolution photos
- Increase quality setting in converter
- Avoid multiple conversions (don't convert JPEG to PNG to PDF)
Can't Find Saved PDF
- Check the Files app → On My iPhone → Downloads
- Check iCloud Drive if enabled
- Use search in Files app to find by name
Privacy Considerations
When converting sensitive documents:
- Browser-based tools that process locally never upload your files
- Built-in iOS methods keep everything on your device
- Cloud-based apps may upload and store your images—read privacy policies
- Our converter processes entirely in your browser—files never leave your iPhone
Conclusion
You don't need to install apps to convert photos to PDF on your iPhone. The built-in print dialog trick works in seconds, the Files app offers more control, and browser-based tools provide the most flexibility—all without downloading anything.
For most users, the browser-based Image to PDF Converter offers the best balance of ease, control, and privacy. It's designed for mobile use, processes files locally on your device, and gives you full control over page size, quality, and image ordering.
Choose the method that best fits your workflow, and you'll be creating PDFs from your iPhone photos in no time.
