PDF and PNG are two different file formats that serve different functions. PDF remains the most popular and easily accessible way to share documents, especially text-heavy documents and forms. PNG on the other hand is a popular image format known for looseless compression and perfect for images used in graphics.
You may need to convert PDF to PNG when the document has a lot of images and you want to extract them to create thumbnails for use on specific projects or for PDF presentations. It can also be necessary to convert a PDF to an image format like PNG to make it easier to share.
In this guide, we will show the various ways on how to convert PDF to PNG with a primary focus on Afirstsoft PDF Editor, one of the best tools to do it.
Popular Methods to Convert PDF to PNG
You can convert PDF to PNG on just about any platform with many tools available for that purpose. Here’s a breakdown of each platform to help you choose the best tool.
- Online Tools
There are very many PDF to PNG online conversion tools in the market to choose from. Their main advantage is that most of them are free and easily accessible on any browser. Using an online tool can however expose your document to potential risks especially if it contains sensitive information.
- Desktop Software
Desktop software is more secure than online tools and they can offer a wide range of conversion tools and options you will not find on an online tool, but they can be a bit expensive. You will also need to download and install the program on your computer which raises issues of space and security.
- Mobile Apps
Like online tools, mobile apps are often easy to access and in most cases free to use. But they are also unlikely to offer any data security for your document and many lack the functionality to customize your conversion.
How to Convert PDF to PNG Easily Across Platforms
Converting PDF to PNG on Desktop
The two best options to convert PDF to PNG using desktop software are Afirstsoft PDF Editor and Nitro. Let’s see how to use each of these tools;
- Convert PDF to PNG with Afirstsoft PDF Editor
Afirstsoft PDF Editor is one of the best desktop PDF converters. It simple interface makes the process seamless and easy, allowing you to convert the PDF in just a few seconds. Here’s how to use it to convert your PDF document to PNG in just 3 simple steps;
Step 1: Open Afirstsoft PDF on your computer. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows and installation is quick and easy.
Step 2: In the main window, click on “Convert” to access the conversion tools and open the document you want to convert.
Step 3: In the popup window that appears, you should see your selected document along with various options. To convert the PDF to PNG, select “PNG” from the Output Format dropdown menu and click “Convert.”
The conversion will begin immediately and the resultant PNG file will be saved in your selected output folder.
- Convert PDF to PNG with Nitro
Nitro PDF is another great choice for the conversion of PDF files to other formats. Here’s how to use it;
Step 1: Open Nitro PDF on your computer and click on the “Convert” tab at the top. Click “To Image” since we want to convert to PNG.
Step 2: Click “Add Files” to open the PDF file to convert and under “Conversion Settings” choose the image format as “PNG.”
Step 3: Then just click “Convert” to begin the conversion.
Converting PDF to PNG Online
Online tools can be useful when the file you want to convert is small or you don’t have access to a desktop program. The following are two of the best online PDF converters you can use;
- Converting PDF to PNG with SmallPDF
Step 1: Go to SmallPDF site to access the specific conversion tool to convert PDF to image formats.
Step 2: Click on “Choose Files” to upload the PDF for conversion.
Step 3: Then simply click “Convert” and SmallPDF will convert the PDF to PNG.
- Converting PDF to PNG with Zamzar
Step 1: Go to Zamzar website to access the tool needed to convert PDF to PNG.
Step 2: Click on the “Choose Files” button to upload the PDF file for conversion.
Step 3: With the file uploaded, simply click on “Convert Now” and the conversion process will begin immediately. You should be able to download the PNG file to your computer.
Converting PDF to PNG on Mobile
Mobile tools can also come in handy when converting PDF files to other formats. They are however only useful for smaller files. One such mobile tool is OfficeSuite. Here’s how to use it;
Step 1: Install the OfficeSuite App on your device. It is only available for Android devices. Launch the app.
Step 2: Find the PDF document you want to convert and open it in OfficeSuite.
Step 3: Select the page or pages that you’d like to convert, choose “PNG” as the output format, and click “Convert.”
The conversion process may take some time depending on the size of the file and the strength of your internet connection.
Conclusion
PDF is one of the most popular formats for creating and sharing various types of documents and remains a secure solution. In certain circumstances, however it may become necessary to convert a PDF document to a shareable image format like PNG, particularly when you want to share the information on the document more easily. For this reason, it is necessary to have a PDF conversion tool that is both easy to use and can guarantee a successful conversion. Of all the options in this guide, only Afirstsoft PDF Editor meets these criteria.