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How to Combine Images into PDF on Mac With Preview? (In Seconds)

Quick Answer:

Select the images, open them together in Preview, arrange the thumbnails, select every thumbnail, then choose File > Print > PDF > Save as PDF. This creates one multi-page PDF in the order shown in Preview.

Do you want to put several images into one comprehensive file? Combining multiple photos is a great way to share them through email or create a portfolio of your visual content. And, what could be better than merging them into a secure file format like PDF?

PDF files are popular as they provide a reliable solution to share and view documents across all platforms. You can easily merge multiple images into a PDF on Mac with Preview. But, if you don't know how to do it, we are here to help!

This article will guide you on how to combine images into PDF on Mac with Preview. We will also introduce an AI-powered PDF editor - UPDF that offers versatile ways to put several images into a PDF. If you do not like Preview, you can click the below button to use UPDF directly.

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So, let's get started!

Part 1. Which Method Should You Use?

Your situationBest methodMain limitation
You need one PDF quickly and do not want to install anythingPreview: Print to PDFLimited post-creation editing and batch controls
You need to mix images with PDFs or office files, review a long batch, crop pages, edit the result, or run OCRUPDF for MacRequires installing a separate app; some exported trial files may carry a watermark

Preview is enough for a receipt packet, scanned homework, or a short photo set. UPDF becomes useful when creating the PDF is only the first step and the document still needs cleanup, searchable text, security, or page-level changes.

Part 2. How to Use Preview to Combine Images into One PDF?

Apple Preview's 'combine images into PDF' feature offers a handy solution as it is readily installed on all Mac devices. It is also easy to use for all skill levels. You can use it in two different ways to merge photos together in a PDF.

Read on below to find out more about these methods.

Method 1. Combine Images Into One PDF Using Exporting as PDF

Mac Preview can export multiple images to PDF including scanned images and photographs. This method is pretty straightforward and requires no technical steps.

However, the "Export as PDF" option will only export the top image in Preview as a PDF and not combine all of them. But this can be easily handled by merging all of the created PDFs into one using the Finder.

If you don't know how it's done, we've got a step-by-step guide for it below.

Step 1

Select the image you want to combine in a PDF and go to the "File" tab. Then select "Open" to view the image in Preview.

Step 2

Click on "File" once your image is opened in Preview and select "Export as PDF." Do this for all the images until all are converted into a PDF.

mac preview combine images into pdf Select Export as PDF under File

Step 3

Select all the converted PDF files, and double-click on them. Select "Quick Actions" and choose "Create PDF." This will combine all images into one PDF.

mac preview combine images into pdf Click Create PDF from Quick Actions

Step 4

If you're not seeing a "Quick Actions" option, there is a way around it. Select all the converted PDF, click on "View" and choose "Show Preview" to bring up the files' preview on the right side.

Step 5

With your files still selected, go to their preview section and select "Create PDF" to merge all images into one PDF.

mac preview combine images into pdf Click Create PDF

Now you're all done! This method is useful if you're looking to combine a small number of images. But, you can also use Mac Preview to create PDF from multiple images at once. Let's find out how it's done below.

Method 2. Combine Images into One PDF Using Printing

Mac Preview combines images into PDF with its handy print feature as well. It lets you adjust the page size, and orientation and even auto-rotate the images as required. You can also select the specific number of images you want to merge using the page range option.

Let's explore how to use this method to put several images into one PDF.

Step 1

Select all of the images and go to the "File" tab. Select "Open" to view all of the images in Preview. If your images are scattered to different folders, you can drag and drop them into the Preview sidebar.

mac preview combine images into pdf Click File and choose Open

Step 2

If you don't see a thumbnail preview in the left sidebar, click on the small screen icon next to the image name. Then select "Thumbnails" to bring up the previews in the sidebar.

Step 3

Arrange the images in your preferred order with a quick drag and drop and select all the images. To do this, click on the first image then hold the SHIFT key and click on the last image to select all at once.

Step 4

Once your images are all selected, go to the "File" tab in the top menu. Then, select "Print" located all the way to the end.

mac preview combine images into pdf Click File and choose Print

Step 5

Uncheck "Auto Rotate" if you want to preserve the original orientation of your images. Then, click the dropdown arrow next to "PDF" at the bottom of the window and select "Save as PDF."

Step 6

Rename your file in the text field next to "Save as" and click on "Save" to store the PDF on your device.

mac preview combine images into pdf Select Save as PDF

That's all. Mac Preview can merge images into PDF in a straightforward process. However, it does not offer many customization options. You cannot edit your images or extract text from image-based scans.

Are you looking for a more versatile solution that gives you full command over editing and organizing all aspects of your images? We've got a powerful alternative to Mac Preview for you below!

Part 2. How to Combine Images into PDF on Mac Without Preview? (3 Ways)

You can easily merge several images into a PDF on Mac without using Preview. And the secret lies in using an advanced PDF solution like UPDF for Mac! It is the best alternative to Mac Preview with it versatile PDF managing solutions! Powered with AI, UPDF provides flexible ways to merge and organize your images into one PDF file format.

What makes UPDF a cut above is its ability to let you edit all elements of your images after combining them. Whether you need to crop, split, replace, delete, and add the images or the entire PDF pages, UPDF has got you covered! The cool thing about UPDF is that you can also combine other file formats with the images to create one PDF file. Just click the below button to test all features.

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combine images into pdf on mac updf

And, if you're looking to build a professional portfolio of your photographs, you can add new text, shapes, stamps, and stickers to highlight the important details. The best part? UPDF lets you password protect and add print limits to your image-turned-PDF files. This ensures that your photos remain untampered when shared across platforms!

But that's not all, UPDF has much more to offer! Learn more about its advanced features for Mac users by watching the video below.

If you want to experience the most productive solutions to handle your documents, give UPDF a try. It is the ultimate way to supercharge your creativity! Download it now and make your documents stand out with its powerful AI-driven solutions!

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Owing to its versatility, UPDF lets you merge images into a PDF with a quick drag and drop, create PDF from files, and even batch combine. Let's explore how these methods work below!

Way 1. Combine Images into PDF using the Batch Combine Feature

The best tool that can be used is UPDF. This universal tool lets you merge images into a PDF in just seconds. There’s no need to worry about file formats—it supports PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, and more. On Mac, it even works with nearly all image formats. Best of all, you don’t need any technical skills to use it. With just a few clicks, you can effortlessly combine multiple images into one high-quality PDF.

Step 1: Download UPDF

First of all, download UPDF from the button below. After downloading, follow the underneath steps:

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Step 2: Launch and Click "Tools > Merge"

Launch the UPDF on your device. Click on the "Tools". Now, select the "Merge" option.

batch merge

Step 3: Combine Photos to a PDF

Select the "+ Add Files" button and hit "Add Files" to add all the images you want to merge into a PDF file.

After adding the images, you can remove the unnecessary or mistakenly added pictures from the list by clicking on the "Three Dots" menu and choosing the "Remove File" option. You can also reorder them by dragging and dropping them.

Once the image list is ready, click on the "Apply" button. Save the PDF file anywhere you want on your device with a suitable title.

apply combine images into pdf

Way 2. Combine Photos Into a PDF using the Create Feature

Simply follow the steps below to combine all your images into a single PDF using the Create from Image feature. Click the button below to download UPDF and get started right away.

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Step 1: Create a New PDF from Images

Open the UPDF tool on your device. Choose the "Tools" option to use the "PDF from Image" feature for combining images into a PDF.

create pdf from images

Step 2: Add and Combine Images to the Blank PDF

Now click on "Combine into single document" option. If you want all the images to be created into separate PDF files, click the "Generate a PDF per file" option. Then click "Apply" to finish the process.

combine all images into one pdf

Step 3: Save the PDF Document

Next, save the PDF on your device. Select the location and save it successfully.

FAQs

Q1. Can I combine JPG and PNG files in the same PDF on Mac?

Yes, if Preview opens both formats. Open the JPG and PNG files together, arrange their thumbnails, select all thumbnails, and save through the Print dialog.

Q2. Does combining images into a PDF reduce image quality?

Not necessarily. The merge itself does not require aggressive compression, but print scaling, export filters, and later compression can change resolution. Inspect the result at 100% zoom before deleting the source images.

Q3. Can I make the image text searchable after combining it?

Yes, by running OCR afterward. Preview's merge process only places images into PDF pages. Use an OCR-capable PDF editor, then proofread the recognized text.

Conclusion

Combining various images into a single PDF offers an organized way to share the visual content across all devices. It also lets you create presentations, compile reports or build a strong portfolio of your photography skills.

We have provided a full guide on how to combine images into PDF on Mac with Preview. It provides two easy ways to quickly combine your desired images into a PDF document using its export and print features.

If you're seeking a more advanced solution you can use UPDF to quickly create a PDF from images. It delivers versatile ways to merge images into a PDF and also enhances the appeal of your document with powerful PDF tools.

So, don't settle for less! Download UPDF now and make your documents stand out with one-click AI-driven solutions!

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