Saving files as PDFs on an iPhone is a convenient feature that comes in handy whether you’re saving a web page, document, or email. With the ability to convert various formats into a PDF, iPhone users can preserve the content’s layout and make it easy to share with others. This feature is built into the iOS operating system and does not require additional software.
Using an iPhone to convert documents to PDF is simple. It involves preparing the document and then using the Share or Print options to complete the conversion process. After conversion, the PDF can be saved directly to the device, to cloud storage, or shared via email or messaging apps.
How to Save a File as PDF on iPhone
Saving a file as a PDF on your iPhone is simple thanks to iOS’s built-in sharing and printing features. Whether it’s a document, web page, photo, or email, you can convert it to PDF without extra apps.
Save a Document or Web Page as PDF
- Open the file or page you want to save (in Safari, Mail, Photos, Files, or another app).
- Tap the Share icon (square with an upward arrow).
- Scroll down and select Print.
- On the Printer Options screen, pinch out on the preview thumbnail to open it as a full-screen PDF.
- Tap the Share icon again.
- Choose Save to Files to store it in the Files app, or pick another location like iCloud Drive.
Save from the Files App
- Open the Files app and locate your document.
- Tap and hold the file, then choose Quick Actions → Create PDF.
- The PDF version will be saved in the same folder.
Save an Email as PDF
- Open the Mail app and select the email.
- Tap the Reply/Forward button, then choose Print.
- Pinch out on the preview to view it as a PDF.
- Tap the Share icon and choose Save to Files or another destination.
Save a Photo as PDF
- Open the Photos app and select the photo(s).
- Tap the Share icon and choose Print.
- Pinch out on the preview to convert it to PDF.
- Tap Share → Save to Files.
Tips
- You can also use Books to save PDFs for easy reading. In the Share Sheet, choose Books instead of Files.
- No internet connection is required to create a PDF.
- The PDF will preserve the layout and formatting of the original file.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones allow for easy document conversion to PDF.
- Preparing the document is a necessary step before conversion.
- Once converted, the PDF can be saved or shared from the iPhone.
Preparing Your Document for PDF Conversion
Converting documents to PDF on an iPhone involves a few simple steps to prepare your files. The process requires no additional software as iOS provides built-in tools for PDF creation.
Using iOS Preview for PDF Creation
When you have a file open on your iPhone, the first step is to tap the Share button. This is usually symbolized by a square with an upward arrow. Once you hit Share, the iOS Share Sheet appears, offering various options. To prepare your document for PDF conversion, you’ll need to find the Print option here. Even if you don’t intend to print, selecting this option is crucial as it leads to the native preview screen where the PDF conversion takes place. Simply use a two-finger outward pinch gesture on the document preview. This gesture “zooms in” on the preview and converts it to a PDF.
Utilizing Webpages and Safari Reader Mode
Safari, the default browser on iOS devices, provides a clutter-free way to convert webpages to PDFs using its Reader Mode. First, open the desired webpage in Safari. Look for the Reader Mode icon in the address bar, symbolized by a set of horizontal lines, and tap it. The page will switch to Reader Mode, stripping away any unnecessary ads or sidebars for a cleaner view. Next, tap on the Share button and proceed as you would for any document: select Print, then pinch out on the preview to create a PDF. You can then choose to save the file to your device or share it using iOS’s sharing features.
Using these simple features, you can quickly prepare various types of documents and webpages for PDF conversion, making it easy to save or share files as needed.
Converting and Saving to PDF
Converting documents to PDF on an iPhone is straightforward and involves using the built-in Share sheet. Saving these PDFs for future use or sharing requires a few additional steps.
Converting Documents with the Share Sheet
To convert files to PDF, users need to open the document and tap the Share button. This button may look like an upward arrow coming out of a box. In the Share menu, select the Print option to reach the PDF conversion feature. The document will not print but offer a chance to create a PDF file instead.
Saving and Organizing PDFs in Files App
Once converted, users can save their PDFs to the iPhone or iPad by choosing Save to Files. Here they can pick a specific folder within the Files app or just hit Save to store it in the default location. Users can also utilize iCloud Drive for storing their PDFs which allows access across multiple Apple devices.
Exporting PDFs for Advanced Use
For advanced purposes, such as including PDFs in eBooks or sending via email, users should open the converted PDF file and tap the Share icon. They can then select where to share or save the file, like sending it to the Apple Books app or saving it in a preferred location for emailing.
