How to Make a PDF on iPhone: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a PDF on your iPhone lets you turn photos, screenshots, or documents into a single file that’s easy to share, email, or save. You don’t need any extra apps—Apple’s built-in tools make it quick and free. Here’s exactly how to make a PDF on iPhone:

  1. Save images to the Files app.
  2. Use "Create PDF" in the Files app.
  3. Share or save your new PDF.

Why Make a PDF on Your iPhone?

PDFs keep your files organized. They’re perfect for:

  • Combining multiple pages (like scanned documents or receipts).
  • Emailing contracts, forms, or school assignments.
  • Saving web articles or images in a universal format.

No extra apps needed! Your iPhone’s Photos and Files apps do all the work.

How to Make a PDF on iPhone

Follow these steps for any photo, screenshot, or document image. Works on iOS 15, 16, 17, iOS 18 or newer.

Step 1: Save Your Images to the Files App

  1. Open the Photos app.
  2. Tap Select (top-right corner).
  3. Choose the photo(s) or screenshot(s) for your PDF.
  4. Tap the Share icon (bottom-left).
  5. Scroll down and select Save to Files.
  6. Pick a folder (e.g., On My iPhone > Downloads or iCloud Drive).
  7. Tap Save.

Tip: Create a new folder (e.g., "PDFs") for easy access. Tap Browse > New Folder in the Files app first.

Step 2: Create Your PDF

For a Single Image:

  1. Open the Files app.
  2. Go to the folder where you saved your image.
  3. Press and hold the image.
  4. Tap Quick Actions > Create PDF.

For Multiple Images (One Multi-Page PDF):

  1. In the Files app, open your folder.
  2. Tap ••• (top-right) > Select.
  3. Choose your images.
  4. Tap ••• (bottom-right) > Create PDF.

Your PDF will appear instantly in the same folder.

Step 3: Share or Move Your PDF

  1. Tap the PDF file.
  2. Tap the Share icon (bottom-left).
  3. Choose an option:
    • Email or Message to send it.
    • Save to Files to store it elsewhere.
    • AirDrop to share nearby.

Single vs. Multi-Page PDFs: Quick Comparison

Feature Single-Page PDF Multi-Page PDF
Best For One image/document Reports, multi-page forms
Steps Long-press > Create PDF Select multiple > Create PDF
Time 5 seconds 10 seconds
Sharing Email, Messages, AirDrop Same as single-page

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: "Create PDF" option is missing?
Fix:

  • Ensure images are saved in Files (not just Photos).
  • Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version (Settings > General > Software Update).

Problem: PDF looks blurry?
Fix:

  • Use high-resolution photos. Avoid screenshots of text.

Need to edit your PDF? Learn to Photoshop on iPhone for quick fixes.

Advanced Tips

  1. Scan Directly to PDF: Use the Notes app:

    • Open Notes > New Note > Camera icon > Scan Documents.
    • Follow prompts to save as PDF.

  2. Save Web Pages as PDF:

    • In Safari, tap Share icon > Options > Choose PDF > Done.

  3. Merge PDFs:

    • Save multiple PDFs to one folder.
    • Tap Select > Choose files > ••• > Create PDF.

Where to Find Your PDFs

  • Open Files app > Browse tab.
  • Check:
    • iCloud Drive (if saved to iCloud).
    • On My iPhone (if saved locally).
    • Recently Added (quick access).

Lost a file? Learn how to find downloads on iPhone.

Sharing Your PDF

After creating your PDF, use these iPhone tools:

  • Email: Attach directly from Mail.
  • AirDrop: Send to nearby Apple devices.
  • Cloud Services: Save to iCloud Drive and access anywhere.
  • Print: Tap the Share icon > Print.

Need to send photos elsewhere? See how to transfer photos from iPhone to PC.

Why Use PDFs?

  • Universal format: Opens on any device.
  • Preserves layout: Text, images, and spacing stay intact.
  • Secure: Password-protect sensitive files (use Files app > ••• > Encrypt PDF).

FAQ: Making PDFs on iPhone

Q1: Why can’t I find the "Create PDF" option?
A: You must save images to the Files app first (not just in Photos). If it’s still missing, update iOS:
Settings > General > Software Update.

Q2: Can I combine photos and documents into one PDF?
A: Yes! Save all files to one folder in Files. Tap ••• > Select > Choose items > Create PDF. They’ll merge in order selected.

Q3: Where do my new PDFs save?
A: Check the same folder where your original images were stored. Look in:

  • Files app > Browse > iCloud Drive (or On My iPhone) > Your folder name.

Still missing? Use Find Downloads on iPhone.

Q4: Can I edit the PDF after creating it?
A: Yes! Tap the PDF in Files > Markup (pencil icon) to add text, signatures, or drawings. For advanced edits, learn to Photoshop on iPhone.

Q5: How do I scan paper documents directly to PDF?
A: Use the Notes app:

  1. Open Notes > New Note > Camera icon > Scan Documents.
  2. Point at the paper > Capture > Save (stores as PDF in Files).

Conclusion

Creating a PDF on your iPhone takes seconds with no extra apps. Just:

  1. Save photos/docs to the Files app.
  2. Tap "Create PDF" (for one or multiple files).
  3. Share via email, messages, or AirDrop.

Whether you’re turning receipts into one file, saving a web article, or scanning homework, PDFs keep everything organized and professional. For more iPhone skills:

Try it now: Turn your latest screenshot into a PDF!