Guides · Documents and PDF
Convert a photo to PDF on iPhone
You have already photographed a sheet and need it as a PDF. Here is how to turn one photo or several photos into a PDF on the iPhone.
A photo is taken quickly. But many places want a PDF: the authorities, your insurer, the school or your bookkeeper. You do not have to scan the sheet again for that. With the free Scan2List app you pick the photo and share it as a PDF.
Turn photos into a PDF in Scan2List
- Open Scan2List and switch to “Scan2PDF” at the bottom.
- Tap “Photos” and pick one picture or several.
- The app creates a document from them. Every picture becomes a page.
- Open the document and tap “Share PDF”.
If the photo shows a sheet of paper, the app crops the page and straightens it. If it finds no edge, for example in a picture without a sheet, it uses the whole photo as the page.
Several photos in one PDF
When you import, pick all the pictures that belong together. You change the order afterwards in the document: touch and hold a page and drag it to where you want it. Use “Add page” to add more pages later. If you have already created several documents, you can also merge them into one PDF.
Make the PDF smaller and easier to read
At the top of the document you switch between “Color” and “Black & white”. For letters, invoices and forms, black & white is enough. The text is usually easier to read, and the PDF gets smaller. For pictures with colors, for example a drawing, stay with “Color”.
After converting: fill in, sign, search
The app recognizes the text on the pages, so you can search the PDF and copy text from it. With “Edit” you can type text, tick boxes and sign before you share. More: Fill in and sign a form ›
Without an extra app: with Apple’s Files app
The iPhone can also turn a picture into a PDF without an extra app. Save the photo to the Files app, touch and hold it there and choose “Quick Actions” and then “Create PDF”. The picture is not cropped or straightened this way.
The steps for Apple’s apps describe iOS 26. In other versions, buttons may have different names or sit in a different place. Everything here is general information, not legal advice and not legally binding. Please check for yourself what applies in your case.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything?
No. Importing photos and sharing them as a PDF is free and unlimited in Scan2List. More about pricing ›
Is the photo changed or deleted?
No. The photo stays in your photos as it is. The app works with a copy.
Which pictures can I use?
Any picture from your photos, for example photos, screenshots and saved images.
Do my pictures stay on the iPhone?
Yes. The app does not upload anything. Only the PDF you share yourself leaves the iPhone.
Read on: Scan a document on iPhone · Merge scans into one PDF · Fill in and sign a form