How to save anything as a PDF on a Mac
Every Mac app that prints can save a PDF, with nothing to install. How to do it from any app, from Mail, Safari, Word and Photos, and what to do when it is missing.
On a Mac, PDF is built in. If an app can print, it can save a PDF: press Command P, open the PDF menu at the bottom of the print window, and choose Save as PDF. No printer and no extra software needed.
How do I save as PDF on a Mac?
- Choose File > Print, or press Command P.
- At the bottom of the print window, open the PDF menu.
- Choose Save as PDF, name the file and save.
The same menu also has Open in Preview, handy for a quick look before saving.
Is Export as PDF better than Print?
When an app offers it, usually yes. Many apps, including Safari, Mail, Notes, Pages and TextEdit, have File > Export as PDF or Export To > PDF. Exporting is the app's own way of writing a PDF rather than a printout, so it is the better choice for things a printout has no room for, such as clickable links. Check one link in the saved file if they matter.
How do I save an email as a PDF on a Mac?
In Apple Mail, open the message and choose File > Export as PDF. In Gmail or Outlook in a browser, use the print button in the message and choose Save as PDF.
How do I save a webpage as a PDF on a Mac?
In Safari, choose File > Export as PDF. To strip out adverts and menus first, click the Reader button in the address bar, then export.
How do I save a Word document as a PDF on a Mac?
In Word, choose File > Save As, and set File Format to PDF. In Pages, choose File > Export To > PDF.
How do I save a photo as a PDF on a Mac?
Open the photo in Preview and choose File > Export as PDF. For several photos in one PDF, see JPG to PDF on a Mac.
Why can I not save as PDF on my Mac?
Usually because the app uses its own print window instead of the Mac's. In Chrome, set Destination to Save as PDF. In other apps, look for a Print using system dialog link, or a Save As or Export option with PDF as the format.
After that
Once you have the PDF, Simply PDF opens it free, merges it with others free, and handles compressing, signing and the rest on your Mac.
Questions
How do I print to PDF on a Mac?
Choose File > Print, open the PDF menu at the bottom of the print window, and choose Save as PDF.
Why can I not save as PDF on my Mac?
The app probably uses its own print window. In Chrome, set Destination to Save as PDF; elsewhere look for Print using system dialog, or Save As with PDF as the format.
Do I need to install a PDF printer on a Mac?
No. Saving as PDF is built into every Mac's print dialog.