PNG is a lossless image format. Every pixel is stored exactly, so the sharp edges of letters, table lines and diagrams come through without the smudges JPG compression can leave around them. That makes PNG the better choice when you convert pages that are mostly text or graphics.
PNG or JPG?
Use PNG for documents, slides, charts, forms, technical drawings and anything you will crop or edit later. Use PDF to JPG for pages that are mostly photos or scans, where JPG gives much smaller files that look the same.
PNG files of photo-heavy pages can be large. If size matters more than perfect edges, JPG at quality 85 or higher is a reasonable compromise.
Which resolution should I choose?
The default is 150 DPI, which turns an A4 page into roughly 1240 by 1750 pixels: sharp on screens and fine for slides or documentation. Go up to 300 DPI for print or when readers need to zoom into small text; the image then has twice the width and height and about four times the pixels. For thumbnails, a low value such as 72 DPI keeps files tiny.
Is the background transparent?
No. PDF pages are rendered on white, as they appear in a reader, so the PNG has a white background.
Are my files uploaded?
On this page the rendering happens in your browser with pdf.js. The PDF is not uploaded, so the file never leaves your device.
Is there a limit?
Free for PDFs up to 50 MB, with no daily cap for work done in the browser. Pro accepts files up to 500 MB. You get a ZIP with one PNG per page, in page order. Converting a set of manuals or slide decks at once is easier in the pipeline builder, which you can try on up to 3 files for free.
How to convert PDF to PNG
- Drop your PDF onto the drop zone.
- Set the resolution, or keep 150 DPI.
- Click Convert.
- Download the ZIP of PNG images.
FAQ
Can I select the text in the PNG?
No. The page is now an image. Use PDF to Text if you need the words.
Why are my PNG files so much bigger than JPGs?
Lossless storage keeps every pixel, which costs space on photos. For photo pages, JPG is more efficient.
Can I convert just one page?
Take that page out first with Split PDF, then convert it.
Does it work on scanned PDFs?
Yes. Each scanned page is rendered as an image, like any other page.