Combining PDF files with images is a common need: you might have a typed report as a PDF and supporting diagrams as JPGs, or a scanned signature page as a PNG that needs to be appended to a contract. The process is not as direct as merging two PDFs, because PDF tools can only work with PDF format — but converting images to PDF first is fast and free.
Merge PDFs and Image Files — Free
No upload. No account. Works entirely inside your browser.
Add to Chrome — FreeThe Two-Step Workflow
Since PDF merge tools work with PDF files, the standard workflow is:
- Step 1: Convert each image (JPG, PNG, TIFF, etc.) to a PDF file
- Step 2: Merge all PDF files (including the converted images) into one document
Some tools (like Ghostscript or LibreOffice) can do both steps at once. Others require the two steps separately. Both approaches are covered below.
Method 1: Chrome Print-to-PDF + PDF Merge & Split Extension
This method uses only Chrome — no additional software needed.
Step 1: Convert images to PDF using Chrome
- Drag your image file (JPG or PNG) into a Chrome tab. It will open in the browser.
- Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) to open the print dialog.
- In the printer dropdown, select Save as PDF.
- Click Save and choose a location for the PDF.
- Repeat for each image you need to include.
Step 2: Merge all PDFs with the extension
- Open the PDF Merge & Split extension.
- Click Add Files and select all your PDF files — both the original PDFs and the image-converted PDFs.
- Drag files into the desired order.
- Click Merge and download the combined document.
Method 2: LibreOffice (Single-Step Combination)
LibreOffice Writer can place PDFs and images in the same document and export everything as one PDF in a single operation.
How to combine PDFs and images in LibreOffice Writer
- Open LibreOffice Writer.
- Insert your images: Insert → Image and select your JPG or PNG files.
- For PDF content: Copy pages from a PDF viewer and paste them as images, or use Insert → Object → OLE Object for embedded PDF sections.
- Arrange content as needed.
- Export: File → Export as PDF.
LibreOffice gives you full layout control — you can mix images and text on the same page, control sizing, add captions, and arrange content precisely. This is the best option when you need a polished combined document, not just a simple concatenation.
Method 3: Ghostscript (Command Line, All Formats at Once)
Ghostscript can convert images and merge them with PDFs in a single command:
gs -dBATCH -dNOPAUSE -q -sDEVICE=pdfwrite \
-sOutputFile=combined.pdf \
document.pdf image1.jpg image2.png appendix.pdfGhostscript automatically converts the image files to PDF format during the merge process. This is the fastest approach for batch operations or scripted workflows.
-dJPEGQ=100 or use PNG/TIFF source images when possible.
Method 4: macOS Preview
Preview on macOS can import images directly into a PDF's page sequence:
- Open your main PDF in Preview.
- Show thumbnails: View → Thumbnails.
- Drag an image file directly from Finder into the thumbnail sidebar at the desired position.
- Preview automatically converts the image to a PDF page.
- Export: File → Export as PDF.
This is the easiest single-step method on macOS — no separate conversion needed. The image becomes a page within the PDF at its natural dimensions.
Supported Image Formats
| Format | Transparency | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPG | No | Photographs | Lossy compression; good for photos |
| PNG | Yes | Screenshots, logos | Lossless; larger files than JPG |
| TIFF | Yes | Scanned documents | High quality, large file size |
| BMP | No | Windows screenshots | Uncompressed; very large files |
| GIF | Yes (1-bit) | Simple graphics | Limited to 256 colors |
Common Use Cases
Adding a scanned signature to a contract PDF
You have a contract as a PDF and the signed last page as a scanned JPG. Convert the JPG to PDF (Chrome print method), then merge the contract PDF with the signed page PDF. Replace the blank signature page if needed by splitting the contract first to remove it.
Combining a report with supporting screenshots
A common workflow in IT and project management: a written report as PDF, plus screenshots of dashboards, error messages, or test results as PNG files. Convert each screenshot to PDF, then merge everything into one submission document.
Assembling a property inspection report
Inspection reports typically consist of a formatted report (PDF) and dozens of site photos (JPG). Converting the photos to PDF and merging them after the report creates a single package that is easier to share, archive, and reference than a zip file containing mixed formats.
Merge PDFs and Images Into One Document
Convert images to PDF with Chrome's print dialog, then merge everything with PDF Merge & Split. Takes about two minutes total.
Add PDF Merge & Split to ChromeRelated Guides
- How to Merge PDF Files for Free
- How to Merge Scanned Documents into One PDF
- How to Compress PDFs After Merging
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine a PDF and JPG images into one file?
Yes. The typical workflow is to convert your JPG or PNG images to PDF first, then merge all PDF files together. Chrome's Print → Save as PDF function converts images to PDF in seconds. Then use PDF Merge & Split to combine everything.
Does converting an image to PDF reduce its quality?
If you use a lossless conversion method, image quality is preserved. Chrome's Print to PDF wraps the image without re-compressing it at the default settings. Avoid tools that apply JPEG compression during conversion — use options labeled "lossless" or "high quality" when available.
What image formats can be combined into a PDF?
Most PDF creation tools support JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, and GIF. For transparency (like logos on a transparent background), use PNG, as JPG does not support transparency. TIFF is common for high-resolution scanned documents.
How do I combine multiple images and a PDF without Adobe?
Convert your images to PDF using Chrome's Print → Save as PDF function or LibreOffice, then merge all PDFs using the PDF Merge & Split Chrome extension. The entire workflow takes about 2 minutes and requires no paid software.
Can I control image placement when combining into a PDF?
Basic tools convert each image to a single full-page PDF. For precise layout control — placing images alongside text, controlling margins, multi-image pages — use LibreOffice Writer or Google Docs to arrange the content, then export as PDF.
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