Whether you are willing to share scanned documents across different platforms, enhance the security of important paperwork, save space when storing a large book, or ensure convenient editing of a scanned file, understanding how to switch to PDF is key. This guide will walk you through the easiest and most efficient methods to turn your scans into PDFs online and offline. But first, let’s see why it’s worth choosing Portable Document Format for conversion.
Why Convert File to PDF
PDF stands out among other digital formats for its versatility and wide accessibility. Choosing it for your scanned files provides numerous benefits:
- Compactness: scanned copies saved in PDF can be compressed, making them smaller in size and easier to store. It’s one of the top reasons to convert book to PDF.
- Universal compatibility: Portable Document Format is supported by any device and operating system. It also maintains consistent formatting across different operating systems and platforms.
- Searchability and editability: thanks to the OCR technology, any scanned PDF can be changed into a machine-readable file. Hence, you will manage to find, copy, and edit the needed information with ease.
- Customization: the PDF format allows integration of different content types (images, text, hyperlinks, charts, etc.). You can also rearrange pages within a document and split/merge files if needed.
- Enhanced security: PDF supports advanced security features, such as encryption, password protection, and electronic signatures, keeping your sensitive information well-protected.
How to Convert Scanned Document to PDF Using Dropbox
As a popular document management tool, Dropbox allows you not only to store your scans on the cloud but also to convert them to PDF. For this, you need to be a registered member of the platform and install the Dropbox mobile app. Noteworthy, the tool can be used only to convert scanned images in JPEG or PNG format. The instructions are simple:
- Run the Dropbox application on your phone/tablet.
- Hit the ‘…’ icon next to the image you want to convert to PDF.
- Select ‘Save as Scan’.
- Edit your file if needed and tap ‘Next.’
- Look through the save settings and make sure your document is set to PDF.
- Click ‘Save,’ and the scan will be added to your Dropbox account in the new format.
Scan Documents as PDFs Using Dropbox
The Dropbox app also offers a document scanning feature so that you can save your images in PDF format without further conversion. The option will suit those seeking the best way to scan a book into PDF right away and store it on the cloud. Here are the steps to follow:
- Run the Dropbox application on your device.
- Hit the ‘+’ icon.
- Pick ‘Scan Document.’
- Use your phone/tablet’s camera to take a picture of the document.
- Tap ‘Next’.
- Enter the file name, choose its quality, and set the format to PDF.
- Tap ‘Save’.
How to Turn Scanned Images into PDF through Files App
Besides Dropbox, iPhone and iPad users can save scanned images on their mobile devices as PDFs through the Files app. The method proves especially useful for those dealing with a huge amount of scanned pictures, as it allows converting them simultaneously. Here’s how to convert scanned document to PDF using Files:
- Launch Photos on your phone or tablet.
- Move to the album with your scans and select the needed files.
- Tap the ‘Share’ icon and select ‘Save to Files’.
- Open the Files app and find the images you have just saved.
- Hit the ‘…’ icon in the top-right corner and pick ‘Select’.
- Select the needed scans, tap the ‘…’ icon in the lower-right corner, and click ‘Create PDF’.
How to Change Document Format to PDF Using Online Converters
Online converters are specialized web-based platforms for changing file formats on any device and operating system. With such tools, you can turn any type of scanned documents into PDF within seconds, while ensuring their best quality and accuracy. Since the process is automatic, no tech skills are needed to convert DjVu to PDF or switch from any other type of scanned file, including TIFF, JPEG, and PNG.
Whether you are dealing with a large volume of business paperwork, managing a handful of files for personal use, or wondering how to digitize a book to PDF, these steps will help you turn your documents into easily accessible, versatile, and secure PDFs:
- Open any convenient web browser and find a reliable PDF converter.
- Choose a file type you want to change to PDF (DjVu, JPEG, TIFF, etc.).
- Upload your document following the provided on-screen instructions. If you need to convert multiple files, you can first merge them using the corresponding tool.
- The converter will change your file format in a few seconds.
- Download your PDF when it’s ready.
The best online converters also offer a set of advanced features, allowing you to compress, edit, secure, and summarize PDFs, as well as turn your scanned files into editable text using OCR technology.
Final Thoughts
Each method described in this guide may serve you well, just choose the most suitable option based on your needs. If you have a Dropbox account and want to convert file to PDF from JPEG or PNG, this is your way to go. The Files app works well for dealing with multiple scans on iOS, while online converters are universal tools allowing you to handle the biggest number of document formats across all devices. To make the most out of the process, ensure that your scans are of high quality or improve it in advance.
