Is a PDF the Same as an Image?

Did you ever wonder whether PDF files and images are the same? As a starting point, let’s discuss the image file format. Generally speaking, an image file format is a method of storing digital data that can be converted into colored (or transparent) pixels for display on a computer display or for printing. There are many formats available for image files, each optimized for a particular purpose. Some major image file formats include JPEGTIFF or TIF,  GIF, and PNG.

The question then arises as to whether a PDF file is in fact an image file.

Is a PDF file the same as an Image? 

Despite its ability to display and print images, a PDF file itself is not an image file.

Besides these common image formats such as JPEG and PNG, there is also PDF, which falls into a different category.

Despite its ability to display and print images, a PDF file itself is not an image file. Furthermore, a PDF retains the true nature and size of your file and displays the same images, paragraphs, logos, and more that you saved.

In PDF files, images, text, illustrations, OCR, and more can all be included as elements. Using PDF, you can send digital images, texts, etc., while preserving their originality, as well as displaying content from a file. The fact that PDF preserves the actual text (it is not rasterized) means that, regardless of how you zoom in on a page, the text appears clear and crisp.

It is also possible to import PDF files into Word. The best use of PDF files is for catalogs and office documents.

Limitations of PDF files

You should, however, use another format instead of the PDF file when storing images, screenshots, and other editable documents. Unlike apps such as Microsoft Word, PDF files do not allow you to drag images between pages.

As soon as you convert the PDF to JPEG, any selectable text in the PDF will no longer be selectable. It will also be compressed so that it will be smaller than a PDF file as a JPEG.

Converting PDF to JPG

 

If you wish to convert a PDF file to an image, you may use converters. The majority of Graphics Editing Programs allow you to export images from PDF to other formats, such as PNG and JPEG.

There are several options available to you if you wish to complete this process online. Adobe, for example, offers an online PDF to JPG converter. The Adobe Document Tool can also convert the PDF file to PNG or TIFF file formats.

You can use the following online tools to convert your file(s) from PDF to JPG:

Converting Images to PDF 

You will also have access to tools that will allow you to convert a variety of image files into PDF files. For example, Adobe’s official webpage will also allow you to convert from JPG to PDF file.

You can use the following online tools to convert your file(s) from JPG to PDF: