I. Introduction
Converting a PDF file to a JPEG image can be of utmost importance for several purposes – from creating attractive social media posts to making a photo album. However, not everyone knows how to convert PDF to JPEG without spending any money. This guide brings you a comprehensive overview of the different free methods to convert PDF to JPEG, with an in-depth step-by-step guide, a comparison of online tools, and a discussion of desktop software. So, let’s get started!
II. Step-by-step guide
There are different ways to convert PDF to JPEG, with varying levels of difficulty and file limitations. Here are some of the most user-friendly ways to do it:
A. Convert through Google Drive
If you have a Google account, follow these steps to convert your PDF to JPEG:
- Open Google Drive, upload your PDF file
- Once the upload is complete, select the file, right-click on it, and click “open with” – “Google Docs”
- From there, click “File” – “Download as” – “JPEG image (.jpg)”
- Your JPEG file will begin to download – you’re done!
B. Use online conversion tools
Several free online tools can convert your file without requiring any download. Here are the steps to follow using the tool “SmallPDF”:
- Open the website ‘SmallPDF’ on your preferred web browser.
- Click on “PDF to JPG” from the homepage or the toolbar on the left side of the screen.
- Select the PDF file that you want to convert from your device, Dropbox, or Google Drive by clicking on “Choose file”.
- Click the “Convert” button, and the website will convert your PDF to JPG within seconds.
- Press “Download” to save your new JPG file to your device or cloud storage service.
C. Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
If you have Adobe Acrobat Pro DC installed on your device, follow these steps:
- Launch Acrobat Pro DC and open the PDF file you need to convert.
- Select “Export PDF” in the right pane, then choose “Image” as the export format and then “JPEG”.
- Click the “Export” button and select where you want to save the file.
- Your JPEG file will begin to download – you’re done!
III. Comparison of free online tools
If you’re looking for a fast and hassle-free online tool to convert PDF to JPEG, take a look at this list:
A. SmallPDF
SmallPDF is a popular online tool to convert PDFs to various file formats, including JPEG. It’s easy-to-use and efficient, with a beautiful interface and no file size limits. However, it only allows for one file conversion per hour, and some editing features require a paid subscription.
B. Zamzar
Zamzar is a highly reliable File Conversion platform that provides its users with 1200 different types of file conversion options. It offers a free version of its online platform and offers around 25 MB of PDF-to-JPEG conversion. The score for this online tool is 8.4/10, with users praising the simplicity of the interface but noting that some file conversions aren’t up to the mark.
C. OnlineConvertFree
OnlineConvertFree is another popular free online PDF to JPEG converter that attracts users who are willing to eliminate the need for downloading or installing of software. This platform supports several popular output image formats such as PNG, GIF, BMP, and TIF. However, it only allows five conversions per hour, and the waiting times can get annoying if the internet connection is slow.
IV. Using free desktop software
If you need to frequently convert PDF to JPEG, installing free desktop software might be a more efficient option. Here are some of the popular free software to achieve this:
A. GIMP
GIMP is an open-source image editor with a simple interface that allows you to convert PDF to JPEG easily. After installing GIMP, open your PDF file in the software, go to “File” – “Export as”, select JPEG as the output format, and save your file. However, you might need to spend some time learning how the software works, and some users might find it overwhelming due to its excellent features.
B. Inkscape
Inkscape is a free graphic designing tool that can convert your PDF files to JPEG seamlessly. You need to open the PDF file and click on “File” – “Save As”, select JPEG as the output format, and then save it to your preferred location. You can also edit the image using several color palettes, shapes, and designs, and use the vector editor to change the size and resolution, among other things.
C. LibreOffice Draw
LibreOffice Draw is a free and open-source tool that provides an efficient way of converting PDF to JPEG. Once you’ve downloaded the desktop software, go ahead and open LibreOffice Draw. Then, go to “File” – “Open” and select the PDF file you want to convert to JPEG. Then click on “File” – “Export” and choose JPEG, followed by the quality you want. Finally, save the image to your preferred location. However, it might be too complicated for users who need a simpler tool for basic image conversion.
V. Why converting to jpeg is useful
Converting PDF to JPEG is useful for several purposes. For instance:
A. Social media promotion
JPEG files are more compatible with social media platforms than PDF files, which are often difficult to preview or share. Converting PDF to JPEG is suitable for creating social media posts, running ads, or even uploading your brand assets like logos, pictures, etc.
B. Creating photo albums
When you need to create a photo album or showcase your project’s images, PDF files can be inconvenient since they cannot be previewed or edited easily. JPEG files, on the other hand, can be viewed on any device, edited or compressed easily, and don’t need any additional software to access.
C. Digital flyers
Creating digital flyers, posters, or similar graphics requires a compatible, web-optimized image format like JPEG. If you’re running a campaign or want to advertise an event, converting to JPEG optimizes your image for easy viewing and sharing across devices and social media platforms.
VI. Highlighting a specific tool
A. Paint.NET
Paint.net is a free, user-friendly graphic designing tool that offers seamless image editing and conversion features. It is one of the most trusted desktop software with more than 100 million downloads and is suitable for beginners and professional graphic designers. Users can easily rotate, crop, resize, and convert PDF files to JPEG, among other images. While it offers users several templates, it might not be suitable for advanced graphic designing features.
VII. Conclusion
Converting a PDF to JPEG is a crucial task for many professionals, students, and graphic designers. This guide has explored several free methods of how to convert PDF to JPEG, making it convenient and efficient for users to convert without spending any money. The guide discussed different tools, including Google Drive, online converters, and free desktop software. Additionally, the guide provided a comparative analysis of different online converters, highlighting their pros and cons. In conclusion, users must understand their needs, their urgency, and should choose an option according to their preferences.
