PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

You can easily convert a PDF into a GIF image using simple software or an online converter. We'll walk you through converting a PDF file into the GIF format using both Windows and macOS.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using an Online Converter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Zamzar and Convertio are both clean, straightforward file conversion services.
    Advertisement
  2. This should take you to your converter's web page.
  3. The information you need to enter for online converters will vary wildly from one converter to the next, but there are a few options you can expect to see across the board:
    • Upload your PDF. This option will say something like "Upload", "Browse", or "From Computer/Dropbox/etc.".
    • Select your file type. If you choose a PDF to [File Type] converter, you'll just have to choose "GIF" as the file type; a universal file converter will require you to select both "PDF" (as the original file) and "GIF" (as the conversion format).
    • Enter your email address. Many conversion sites give you the option of receiving your converted file by email. Research your chosen site thoroughly before downloading or accepting any files from it.
  4. Most file converters will download your file automatically, so you may just have to click the "Convert" button to download the file.
  5. Some browsers will ask for a save location; if yours asks, save your converted GIF somewhere easily accessible (e.g., your desktop).
  6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. "Preview" is a default picture-viewing app; the icon resembles a couple of photos with a circular viewing glass on top of them.
    • If Preview isn't your default PDF-viewing app, you'll need to click and drag your PDF over to the Preview icon and drop it there to open it in Preview.
  2. This option is to the right of the "Preview" text.
  3. The Format option won't display obscure file formats by default; holding down the Option key when clicking Format bypasses this tendency and gives you the option of saving as a GIF. [1]
    • The "Option" key is nestled between Control and Command at the bottom of your keyboard.
  4. You can also rename your file and choose a save destination from here.
  5. You have successfully converted your PDF to GIF format!
  6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. It helps to have your PDF in full-screen mode, since you'll have to crop the final photo before saving it as a GIF.
  2. Your screen should dim for a moment, indicating that the screenshot was successful. Screenshots are saved in sub-folder inside of the "Pictures" folder.
    • "Print Screen" may also be stylized as "Prt Sc" or "Prt Scrn".
  3. This should be on your desktop.
    • You can also click the File Explorer--the folder icon next to the search field in your taskbar--and then click "Documents" in the left-side toolbar.
  4. This will open your Pictures folder.
  5. This will prompt a drop down menu of potential programs with which you can open your screenshot.
  6. This will open your screenshot in Paint. Microsoft Paint is a default program on any PC; you can easily convert a PDF into a GIF using Paint's "Save As" feature.
    • You can also use Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, or any other intermediate photo-editing programs on your PC; however, Microsoft Paint is usually the simplest solution.
  7. This will allow you to select a portion of your picture to save while cropping out the rest of the picture.
  8. This will crop your screenshot.
    • If you make a mistake, click the backwards-facing arrow in the upper left-hand corner of Paint. This will undo your mistake.
  9. This will prompt a menu with options for saving your file.
  10. This will save your screenshot as a GIF. Make sure you choose somewhere easily-accessible as your save point; you can also rename your picture from here.
  11. You have successfully converted your PDF to GIF format!
  12. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you want to save multiple pages of a PDF, you'll need to repeat the screenshot or converter process for each section.
      • Zooming out in the PDF's interface before taking your screenshot will allow you to capture more of the PDF in a screenshot without sacrificing quality.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Once you convert a PDF page to a GIF format, you will be unable to edit the text. Resizing the file may cause you to lose image quality.
      • GIF format is obsolete and should not be used for still images. A PNG has the same aspects of a GIF but with better quality.
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 177,083 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Kris Parkes

        Jan 5, 2018

        "I am totally ignorant about how to save photos, etc., so when I wanted to share mine, I couldn't because it ..." more
        Rated this article:
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement