Top 15 Ways to Convert PDF to Image for Free

iskysoft

• Filed to: Convert PDF

There are times you need to convert PDF to image files for better viewing or transferring. Search from the Internet, you can find many online free PDF to image converter that allows you to convert PDF files to image online for free. However, there are many limitations to these free tools. You might get the image output in low quality, and you cannot upload large PDF files. The bad thing is that you can only convert one PDF or partial PDF page at a time. While no worry! Here we will share the best way to convert PDF to image like JPG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, etc.

Part 1. Top 4 Ways to Convert PDF to Image on Mac

#1. PDFelement for Mac

If you want an easy to use PDF editor, then consider PDFelement Pro (compatible with macOS 10.15). There is a free trial option that allows you to get a taste of the different kinds of options that they have, this way, you can decide for yourself whether this is or isn't the one for you. With the help of this PDF editor, you can easily convert PDF to images on Mac.

Pros:

  • Edit text, images, pages and a variety of other elements.
  • Markup and sign the document.
  • Convert and create PDF to Word, Excel, PPT, Pages, EPUB, RTF, HTML, images, etc.
  • Secure your PDF by adding passwords, watermarks, redacting statements, etc.
  • Organize your PDF by bookmarking, numbering, assigning user permissions, etc.

Cons:

  • None

Highlight features:

  • It allows you to convert your PDFs to Images, Word, Excel, and more formats, and to convert multiple PDFs in batch.
  • With this PDF editor, you can edit the texts, images, links in your PDF files with ease.
  • The advanced OCR feature helps you simply to convert scanned PDF and extract data from scanned PDF.
  • You can also fill out existing PDF forms, create PDF forms and extract data from your PDF forms.
  • The built-in annotation tool helps you to markup all the screen content as your needs.
launch the PDFelement

#2. Cisdem PD Manager Ultimate

Cisdem PD Manager Ultimate is a Free-to-try program, much like iSkysoft. When it comes to editing and converting images, the capabilities are the same. There are subtle differences, however:

Pros:

  • Cisdem is supported in 49 different languages.

Cons:

  • Very little security: does not allow password protection or user permissions protected.

Download Cisdem PD Manager Ultimate >>

cisdem

#3. Foxit

Foxit is a Free product, it's fairly basic as far as tools and editing go. However, the customizable toolbar and the integration of sharing make up for it.

Pros:

  • It can be linked to a variety of different sharing sites: Dropbox, Google Drive, Alfresco, Sharepoint, etc.
  • It is available on both Mac and Windows.
  • Another little tidbit is that you are able to edit the toolbar to suit your needs.

Cons:

  • It comes with the bare minimum editing-wise.

Download Foxit >>

foxit

#4. Skim

Skim is a program that is also accessible on Mac. Although the options are pretty basic Converting and editing are not a problem, It also has some really interesting presentation options.

Pros:

  • It is another one of those programs with a customizable toolbar.
  • One can include built-in transitions in order to present their files straight from Skim itself.
  • Supported by Apple Remote Control.

Cons:

  • The editing capabilities as far as images go are fairly basic.
  • Only accessible in Mac.

Download Skim >>

skim

Part 2. How to Convert PDF to Image on Mac (macOS 10.15) (With Guide!)

For Mac users, PDFelement Pro for Mac (macOS 10.15 Mojave included) is a reliable and easy-to-use PDF to image converter, which can help you facilitate the smooth conversion of the items. You can use this tool to convert PDF to image with ease. The best part about the software is that you can easily convert standard or scanned PDF documents to different image types like JPG, PNG, and GIF according to your need.

Steps to Convert a PDF to a Picture

If you want to try it out, you can use this guide to ensure that it works. Here is the process for PDF to image conversion by using the PDFelement for Mac.

Step 1. Open Your PDF with the Editor

The initial thing you need to do is to load the PDF files that you have to the PDF image converter. To do this, you can launch the program and click the "Open" button to browse your local folder. Before activating the conversion process, you can edit your PDF with the help of the editor.

import pdf

Step 2. Convert PDF to an Image

Then hit the "Tool" button on the top toolbar and choose "PDF Converter" to open the conversion window. On the toolbar, you can select "To Image" as the output format. In the opened right-side toolbar, you can click “Option” to set the page range. After you have confirmed the settings, click "Apply" to start the conversion process. Once the conversion is done, you can open the converted image on the default image opening program.

Note: This powerful PDF converter supports batch conversion. So you can add more than one PDF file to the converter and convert them to different formats per your need.

convert pdf to image

Part 3. Top 5 Ways to Convert PDF to Image on Windows

1. PDFelement for Windows

If you want an easy-to-use PDF editor, then consider PDFelement. There is a free trial option that allows you to get a taste of the different kinds of options that they have, this way, you can decide for yourself whether this is or isn't the one for you. The PDF editor will help you to convert PDF to Image on a Windows computer. It can be used on both Windows and Mac.

Pros:

  • Create PDF from other file formats and even from the scanner and email messages.
  • Mark up and annotate PDF with multiple PDF annotation tools.
  • Convert multiple PDF files to Word, Excel, image and other file formats in batch.
  • OCR scanned PDF files, edit and convert scanned PDF files easily.

Cons:

  • None
launch iskysoft pdf editor 6 professional win

2. PDFMate

PDFMate is a free PDF to image converter for Windows. With the help of this PDF converter, you can not only read PDF, but also can enjoy them in an eBook reader, web browser, and watch it as an image or video.

Pros:

  • It can be linked to a variety of different sharing sites: Dropbox, Google Drive, Alfresco, Sharepoint, etc.
  • It is available on both Mac and Windows.
  • Another little tidbit is that you are able to edit the toolbar to suit your needs.

Cons:

  • It comes with the bare minimum editing-wise.
pdfmate

3. PDFsam

The capabilities PDFsam has are not that widespread. However, if you would like something simple, then this will be fine. There are many things that you will not be able to accomplish with just this PDF editor alone. So, I wouldn't suggest it for someone looking for a business solution or someone who might find themselves editing PDFs often.

Pros:

  • The platform is Basic/Easy to understand and use.

Cons:

  • The platform is Basic/Easy to understand and use.
pdfsam

4. Nitro Pro 11

NitroPro can be used as a PDF to image converter and has a free version that is available for use, however, much like any free-to-try software, it has its own set of limitations. The toolbar is set to feel familiar, making it easier to use. However, the price of the pro version is something that might not agree with the wallets of some people, considering that there are cheaper alternatives available.

Pros:

  • Familiar toolbar and platform that is easy to use.

Cons:

  • The free trial is limited and the full version is expensive.
nitro

5. PDF Architect

PDF Architect is another PDF to image converter that you can try out for free, however, you will have to subscribe for the full version if you want to unlock all of its features. It's also something that is still in its beta stage, which is both good and bad. It means that the program is constantly being upgraded, which is good in that the options will be better each time and bad in that it needs a little more improvement.

Pros:

  • It has a wide variety of different options to try.
  • Easily able to convert PDF into 300+ different formats.

Cons:

  • Free to try only, must subscribe to unlock all features.
pdfarchitect

Part 4. How to Convert PDF into Image on Windows (With Guide!)

We'll introduce efficient tools which can help you do PDF to image conversion with ease. For those who are using Windows for their operating system, you can also experience the ease of the conversion process by installing PDFelement for Windows. By doing so, you are giving yourself access to all the functions involved in converting PDF files to other formats.

This program has many wonderful editing features, including merging several PDF files into one file or splitting a file with several pages into different files so you can better manage your PDF documents. You may also add password protection for the file so as to protect it from unnecessary changes.

This time, we'll put our focus on images as the output. Here's how you can do it.

Step 1. Import the PDF File

Launch this PDF to images converter. Then choose those PDF files that you want to convert and import them on the program by clicking the "Open Files" button. If you want to make some changes to your PDF before conversion, you can also rely on this fabulous program.

open pdf

Step 2. Convert the PDF Document

To convert your PDF to an image file, you can navigate to the "Convert" tab and hit "To Images." Then you can convert it now. Click "Save" to start the conversion process to your desired format.

convert to images

Text documents are still an important part of any kind of messaging. In fact, they will have to be included in any business correspondence more than that of images. But you also cannot set aside the fact that quality photos are redefining what it means to gain the attention of your recipients. If you are looking for an avenue to include certain text in a different document but in an image format, then converting them is an appropriate choice. Just make sure that when you do, you have the right tools to do it. With this PDF Editor, you can get a high-quality image for your PDF and high reproduction of the PDF elements. Convert PDF to JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, or GIF can be without any hassle.


Part 5. Top 5 Online PDF to Image Converter

1. PDFfiller Online

PDFfiller is an online free PDF to image converter that has a lot of different options to help you convert PDF to picture, and it's a little difficult to state them all. This is something that anyone is able to use, but because it's online the quality and capabilities are rather limited. This is something that is good for short projects only and is not meant for long-term use.

Pros:

  • You can upload the PDF file from a lot of different places: your laptop, DropBox Google Drive, Box, and Cloud.
  • There are also a couple of other options on the left-hand sidebar.

Cons:

  • Limited editing capabilities.
pdf filler

2. Sejda PDF Editor

PDFfiller is a free-to-use online PDF to photo converter. All you have to do is upload the file that you want to edit and go to it. The platform itself is rather simple, however, it's best for short-term use only. The limitations specifically prevent you from editing more than 3 files per hour, which is not practical if you're hoping to use it from a business standpoint.

Pros:

  • A desktop version of Sejda PDF Editor is available.
  • Files uploaded will get automatically deleted, so everything is safe and secure.

Cons:

  • There are some limits imposed, 200 pages (50MB) and only up to 3 tasks per hour.
sejda

3. PDFescape Online PDF Editor

The PDFescape Online PDF Editor might be okay for personal use, however, much like the other online PDF editors, there are limits imposed that would make it impossible to use this on a regular basis. The quality of work is rather low as well, considering that it is something that is done online.

Pros:

  • It works for a variety of different browsers, as shown in the picture above.
  • It also has a Windows version that you can download in case you want to edit offline.

Cons:

  • Limited editing capabilities.
pdf escape

4. Smallpdf Online PDF Editor

With Smallpdf Online PDF Editor you can either drag and drop the PDF file onto the blue screen on their website (as shown above.) Another simple to use pdf editor, that is good for online use. It's convenient as well if you need to share files quickly. However, expect a lot of features that are not available.

Pros:

  • You can import a PDF file through your Dropbox or Google Drive.

Cons:

  • Basic editor software.
small pdf

5. PDF Buddy Online

Easy and simple to use, I would recommend checking PDF Buddy Online out for yourself. It's free and available at all times. This is meant for quick and easy projects, an edit here or there that you need on a non-regular basis. If you're looking for something to use professionally or in the long term, then this is definitely not something I would suggest for you.

Pros:

  • Free and Easy to use.
  • Merge and or Split PDF files.

Cons:

  • Limited in PDF editing tools.
pdf buddy

Part 6. Tips about TIFF, PNG, GIF and BMP

The image files differ from each other according to their format in terms of quality, usage, and size. The most common formats of an image file and their probable uses are listed as follows.

1. GIF

GIF or Graphical Interchange Format is the most widely used image format for basic animation. It is almost similar to the PNG, but the GIF image may contain up to 256 color indexes. GIF is a lossless format that means the clarity is great with the format.

2. BMP

Bitmap images are good for displaying greyscale images with different shades. IT contains the file header that has information about the number of bits per pixel. If your image has different shades of grey, then it is recommended that you should use the BMP as your format as it will add extra crispness to your image.

3. PNG

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. PNG contains the bitmap of the indexed colors and is used for the images that have transparency in them. You can change the transparency level from opaque to fully transparent. PNG is the most popular image format among designers as it is highly supported by almost all modern web browsers.

TIFF
GIF
BMP
PNG
Main Usage For high-quality camera and scanned images For basic animations For displaying different shades/depths of colors For displaying opaque and transparent images. Appropriate for websites
Quality High. Good for displaying basic images with animation Good for displaying grayscale image Low as compared to TIFF and JPEG
iskysoft

Ivan Cook

chief Editor

> Convert PDF > Top 15 Ways to Convert PDF to Image for Free