Short answer: To convert photos to PDF on a phone, open arcanizepdf.com/tools/image-to-pdf in your browser, select your JPG or PNG photos, put them in order and tap Create PDF. Each photo becomes one page, and nothing is uploaded. On Android you can also scan paper straight to PDF with the Arcanize app.
How to make a PDF from photos in the browser (Android and iPhone)
This works in Chrome on Android, Safari on iPhone and on a computer. No app is needed.
- Open arcanizepdf.com/tools/image-to-pdf.
- Tap Select Files and choose your photos. Tap Add More to add others.
- Use the up and down arrows beside each photo to set the page order.
- Tap Create PDF.
- Tap Download File to save the PDF.
Each image is placed on its own A4 page, scaled to fit and centred. There is no sign-up and no watermark.
How to make a PDF with the Arcanize Android app
The Arcanize app gives you two ways to create a PDF, both without an internet connection.
Convert photos from your gallery
- Install Arcanize from Google Play.
- Tap Images to PDF.
- Select the photos from your gallery.
- Arrange the pages in the right order.
- Tap Convert. The PDF is saved to your phone.
Scan paper documents
- Open Arcanize and tap Scan Document.
- Point the camera at the page. The app detects the edges and crops it.
- Save the scan as a PDF.
Browser or app: which should you use?
| Situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| You are on an iPhone or a computer | Browser tool |
| You already have the photos and need a PDF once | Browser tool |
| You need to scan paper pages with the camera | Android app |
| You make PDFs often or have no internet | Android app |
Tips for clean, readable pages
- Use even light. Daylight or a lamp directly above the page gives the sharpest photo. Light from one side creates shadows.
- Hold the phone flat above the page. Shooting at an angle stretches the text.
- Fill the frame. Leave a small margin around the page and nothing else.
- Check the order before converting. It is quicker than rebuilding the PDF.
If the PDF is too large
Photos from a modern phone are big, and the PDF keeps their original resolution. If the result is over an email or upload limit, run it through Compress PDF and choose Recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert a photo to PDF on my phone for free?
Open the Arcanize Images to PDF tool in your phone's browser, select the photo and tap Create PDF. It is free, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I convert photos to PDF on an iPhone without an app?
Yes. Open the Arcanize Images to PDF tool in Safari and select your photos. If a photo is rejected because it is in HEIC format, export it as JPG first.
Which image formats are supported?
The web tool supports JPG and PNG. HEIC and WebP are not supported yet.
Will converting photos to PDF reduce their quality?
No. The images are embedded at their original resolution. Compression is a separate step that you choose.
How do I put the pages in the right order?
In the web tool, use the up and down arrows beside each image before you tap Create PDF. The PDF follows the order of the list.