PDF Export
What PDF export is, when to use it over image formats, and common mistakes when exporting to PDF.
PDF export is the process of saving content from an app, a set of images or a web page as a PDF file. PDF is standardized as ISO 32000. ISO 32000-1 (2008) covers PDF 1.7, and ISO 32000-2 covers PDF 2.0.
An export sets the page size, such as A4 (210×297 mm) or US Letter (8.5×11 inches), the orientation, margins, image resolution and compression, embedded fonts and document metadata. It also decides whether text is stored as real text, as images, or as images with an OCR text layer.
Specialized variants exist for archiving (PDF/A) and accessibility (PDF/UA).
Why export to PDF
A PDF keeps many pages in one file in a fixed order, with the same layout on every device. It opens in browsers, on phones and in every common PDF reader. It can be printed at a defined page size, searched when it has text, and protected with a password.
PDF vs image export
| Image files | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pages | Many in one file | One file per image |
| Order | Fixed | Depends on file names |
| Text search | With text or OCR | No |
| Editing pixels later | Harder | Easier |
| Best for | Guides, records, reading | Web, chat, further editing |
How PDF export works
In Temposhot, there are two paths:
- The results pane exports a session as a searchable PDF, running OCR on the frames.
- The Documents editor has Export PDF and More export formats (PDF, PNG pages, JPG pages, WebP pages and a ZIP package with rendered PNG pages plus document.json).
The PDF dialog (Pro customization) sets paper size, orientation, cover page, step numbers, page numbers, descriptions before or after the screenshot, image sizing and quality, with a live preview and Reset.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a paper size that crops or shrinks wide screenshots.
- Exporting at low image quality and making text hard to read.
- Assuming every PDF is searchable. Test with Command+F.
- Exporting before checking the page order.
Turning pages into a PDF?
See save screenshots as PDF on Mac for the full workflow, or combine images in the browser with Image to PDF.
Common questions
Does Temposhot's PDF export work offline?
Yes. Export and OCR run on your Mac.
Can I reorder pages after export?
Yes. PDF Page Organizer changes the page order in the browser.
Sources
Related resources
- Documents export: the PDF dialog in detail.
- Export formats: session export options.
- Compress PDF: reduce the size of a finished PDF.
Taking the same screenshots again and again?
Temposhot captures a screen, window or area on a timer and exports the set as a PDF, images, ZIP or MP4. The free browser tools fix single images.
Related resources
Related terms
- Screenshot to PDFHow to convert screenshots to PDF, when to use single vs multi-page exports, and mistakes to avoid.
- Searchable PDFWhat makes a PDF searchable, how to tell if yours is, and common mistakes when working with image-only PDFs.
- PDF MergeWhat PDF merging is, when to combine multiple PDFs, and mistakes to avoid.
- Image-Only PDFWhat an image-only PDF is, why it limits search and accessibility, and how to make it searchable.
- PDF Password ProtectionHow PDF password protection works, the difference between open and permissions passwords, and common encryption mistakes to avoid.