PDF guide

How to Convert Scanned Images to PDF

Reviewed and updated August 21, 2026

Scanned workflows start with good images, then JPG to PDF.

Scan quality tips

  • Flat surface and even lighting
  • Fill the frame with the document
  • Avoid shadows on ID cards

Choose sensible scan quality

Very high resolution creates large files without always improving readable text. Use enough detail for the smallest characters, signatures, and stamps, then crop empty borders. Keep color only when it carries information.

Build the document

  1. Review and rename the scan images
  2. Add images to JPG to PDF in page order
  3. Choose page orientation and margins
  4. Download and inspect the PDF
  5. Run OCR if searchable text is required

When to add OCR

A PDF made from images looks correct but its text cannot be selected or searched. OCR creates recognized text from the page image. Proofread important results because handwriting, faint scans, skewed pages, and decorative fonts reduce accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should OCR happen before or after creating the PDF?

Create and organize the PDF first, then apply OCR to the completed page sequence.

Why is my scanned PDF so large?

Each page may contain a high-resolution color image. Crop, use grayscale when acceptable, and compress the final PDF.