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PDF is a versatile format that can hold most common file types in a form that’s viewable by just about anyone. One use case is to create a PDF from images so that they’re accessible in a single, universal document.
Images to PDF – an easy task for Windows 10
Previously, you might have needed a separate software to combine images into a PDF, but Windows 10 these days allows you print to images to PDF directly from File Explorer. This greatly speeds up the process and still produces great results.
Today we’ll be showing you how to create a PDF from multiple images using this method, and we’ll also show you how to enable the Microsoft Print to PDF option if you don’t have it already.
How to Create a PDF from Multiple Images in File Explorer
Combining a JPG to a PDF only takes a minute or so. Indeed, you can perform this process with most popular image formats, such as PNG and GIF. Just be aware that GIFs will no longer animate.
- Select your images, right-click one, and press “Print”
You can easily select multiple images by clicking on the first one, holding Shift, and then clicking on the one at the bottom of the list. File Explorer will automatically create a PDF from the images and take you to the preview page to adjust the settings.
- Select “Microsoft Print to PDF”
If it’s not already selected, choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” in the dropdown under the “Printer:” heading. If you don’t see this option, head to the “Activate the Microsoft Print to PDF Option” section below.
- Look through your pages to ensure they display properly and click “Options…”
You can press the arrows at the bottom of the preview window to see each page. By default, each image will have its own page. Press “Options” when you’re done if you need to change the orientation of your page.
- Click “Printer Properties…”
- Click the dropdown under the “Orientation” heading and choose “Landscape”.
A landscape document should be a better fit for most images. Press “OK” when you’re done.
- Tick “Fit picture to frame” if necessary
If your image is still being cut off, you can tick “Fit picture to frame” to ensure it doesn’t spill over the images. Just be aware that this may cause some white borders if the image isn’t the right aspect ratio.
Once you’ve finished customizing your options, such as the paper size, quality, and the number of photos per page, you can click “Print”.
- Create a PDF from the images by saving to any folder
Windows will allow you to save your print output as any file type. Simply navigate to a folder of your choice, choose a name for the document, and press “Save”.
- Navigate to your combined images in File Explorer and double-click the PDF file
- Check the PDF for any color or display issues
If any of your pages are cut off, you may need to go back into your print options and adjust them until everything fits nicely.
How to Activate the Microsoft Print to PDF Option in Windows 10
If you followed the steps above only to find that there’s no “Print to PDF” option, you’ll have to enable it manually. Here’s how you can do so:
- Select the dropdown under “Printer:” and click “Install Printer…”
- In the “Add a device” window, click “The printer that I want isn’t listed”
- Choose “Add a local printer of network printer with manual settings” and click “Next”
- Choose “Use an existing port” and change the dropdown to “FILE: (Print to File)
Press “Next” when you’re done.
- Select “Microsoft” in the left-hand column and then press “Microsoft Print to PDF”
Press “Next” again.
- Tick “Use the driver that is currently installed (recommended)” and click “Next”
- Name your Printer “Microsoft Print to PDF” and press “Next”
- Tick “Set as the default printer” and press “Finish”
Microsoft Print to PDF should now show up as an option when you try to create a PDF from images.
How to Insert a PDF into an Excel Spreadsheet or Password Protect a PDF Document
Now that you know how to create a PDF from images, you may want to learn how to insert a PDF into an Excel spreadsheet, or password protect those images so nobody else can view them. The linked tutorial will walk you through the process step by step.
