PDF vs Image Formats: When to Use What
People often wonder whether they should share a document as a PDF or as a set of images. Both options have their place. PDFs are ideal for multi‑page documents that should keep the same layout everywhere, while image formats like JPG and PNG are better for single pictures or quick previews.
When you scan paper documents, some scanners create a series of images instead of a single PDF. This can be inconvenient because you end up with many individual files. In those cases it is usually better to convert the images into one combined PDF so that the document is easier to share and store.
When to choose PDF
- For reports, forms, and contracts with multiple pages.
- When you need a predictable layout on every device.
- When you want to add text layers, bookmarks, or security.
When to choose images
- For single photos or graphics used on websites or presentations.
- When you need a quick preview on social media or chat apps.
- When only a small part of a document is relevant.
CompressItSmall helps you move between these formats with tools like PDF to JPG and JPG to PDF, so you can choose the right format for each situation.