Image to PDF: page size, margins and image order
Create a clean PDF from photos without unexpected cropping or oversized pages.
Start with the final use
A PDF for printing, an online form and an email attachment do not need the same settings. A4 is common in many countries, while Letter is common in the United States and Canada. Matching every page to the original image is useful for archives, but a standard page size usually looks more professional.
Use margins to protect content
Phone photos often include important text close to the edge. A small margin prevents printers and PDF viewers from clipping that content. For A4 documents, 18 to 30 points is a practical starting point. Use a larger margin when the image has handwritten notes or stamps near the border.
Fit versus fill
Fit keeps the entire image visible and may leave white space. Fill uses the whole page but can crop the image. Documents, receipts and certificates should normally use fit. Decorative photos can use fill when edge cropping is acceptable.
Check order before creating the PDF
Arrange images in reading order before starting the conversion. Put identity pages, cover pages or summary pages first. A clear order reduces confusion for the recipient and helps automated document review systems process the file correctly.
Keep the source images
Creating a PDF should not replace your original images. Keep the original files in a separate folder so you can rebuild the document later with different page settings or better quality.