How to Insert Picture into PDF on Mac: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Pictures help readers keep their eyes on PDFs longer than plain text. This is one of the main reasons that modern documents almost always contain pictures. However, you may search around and try many ways, but none of them is what you need. No worry, you can find the methods you need as this article will show different effective ways how to insert a picture in PDF on a Mac.

Part 1. How to Add Image to PDF on Mac With UPDF (3 Ways)

UPDF offers three image-related options for different purposes. Use the Image tool when you want the picture to appear directly on the PDF page, the Attach File tool when you want to embed the original image as a downloadable attachment, or an Image Field when you want another person to upload a picture while filling out a form. Download UPDF and follow the corresponding guide below.

Way 1. Insert a Picture on PDF on Mac Via Adding "Image"

If you want the picture to appear directly on the PDF page, use UPDF's Image tool. After inserting it, you can resize, move, rotate, crop, replace, copy, or delete the image as needed. Just follow the below steps about how to use it.

Step 1. Download and launch UPDF on your Mac. Click "Open File" on the home screen, then select the PDF you want to edit from the file selection window.

Step 2. Now click on the "Edit" button in "Tools" on the left sidebar. We will use this section to add images to PDF Mac.

Step 3. Click the "Image" icon in the top toolbar, choose an image from your Mac, and then place it on the desired area of the PDF page. Alternatively, you can drag an image file directly from Finder into the PDF.

Step 4. Select the inserted image to resize, move, rotate, crop, replace, or delete it. When the image looks right, choose "File" > "Save," or use "Save As" if you want to preserve the original PDF.

If you still do not know how to add an image to a PDF with UPDF's image feature, you can download UPDF here and follow the below video guide.

Way 2. Attach an Image File to a PDF on Mac

Use this method when the image does not need to appear directly on the page but should remain embedded in the PDF as a separate file. UPDF places an attachment icon on the page; recipients can click the icon in a compatible PDF reader to open or save the image.

Step 1. Make sure you open the PDF with UPDF on Mac. Now, click "Comment" in "Tools" at the left side menu, find the "Attach File" icon, and click on it. You can select the attachment shape, color, and opacity.

Step 2. Click the place where you want to add the image, select the image, and click the "Open" icon on the pop-up window. The image is now embedded as an attachment. A clickable attachment icon will appear on the PDF page.

Step 3. Click the attachment icon to open, save, move, copy, delete, or add a note to the attached file. If the PDF contains multiple attachments, open the Attachments panel to review and manage them. Finally, choose "File" > "Save."

Way 3. Add an Image Upload Field to a PDF Form on Mac

If you prefer a fixed image field or want to ask others to upload the image to PDF, you can use the image field to do that.

Step 1. If you still do not have UPDF on your Mac, click the below button to download it. Run the UPDF and open the PDF on your Mac with it.

Step 2. Click "Tools" > "Form" > "Image Field" and draw to adjust the size of the image field you need.

Step 3. Click on the "Properties" button to add the image on your own. If you want others to insert the image into the PDF, just save the PDF and share it with them. Then, they can click on the image field to upload the image there.

It is super easy to use UPDF to insert images into PDFs. Beyond inserting images, UPDF can help you edit surrounding text, crop or replace pictures, add image watermarks, reduce the PDF file size, and protect the finished document with a password. To learn more about UPDF, read this review article. Download the free trial to test the workflow before deciding whether to upgrade.

Part 2. How to Insert Images to a PDF with Preview on Mac

You can add images to PDF on Mac using MacBook's Preview feature even though copy-paste of images is not allowed in this app. There is a hacky way to add images to PDF on Mac. You may follow the below steps to accomplish this with Preview on Mac -

1. Locate the image to add to your PDF file. Right-click on the image and select "Open With" > "Preview" from the menu.
2. When Preview opens, press "Command + A" on your Mac keyboard and select the entire image.
3. Now you may press "Command + C" to copy the image. You can now press "Command + V" to paste the image, and the new copy of your image covers the original image. While both images look the same, the one that you just pasted has now become an object that can be pasted into a PDF.
4. Copy this object image by pressing "Command + C".
5. Next, find the PDF that you want to paste the image into in Finder. Open this PDF file in the Mac Preview tool. Scroll to the PDF page that you want to add your image to and paste the image by pressing "Command + V".
6. You can now close the document and your changes will be saved.

For a more detailed guide on adding an image to a PDF with preview, just read this guide.

FAQs

Conclusion

UPDF and Preview both provide ways to add a visible picture to an existing PDF page, but they suit different needs. Preview can work for an occasional basic edit, although its copy-and-paste process is indirect. UPDF offers a more straightforward image-editing workflow, with controls for resizing, positioning, rotating, cropping, and replacing pictures. It also provides separate options for embedding an image as an attachment or creating an image upload field in a fillable form. Download UPDF and choose the workflow that matches the result you need..