How to print to PDF in MacOS

It doesn’t get any easier than printing to PDF in MacOS. Fortunately, you won’t have to go find, download, and then install software, such as Adobe Acrobat or Reader. Instead, getting access to printing and converting your Mac files to a PDF is done with native features. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be printing files to PDF lickety-split.

You’ll find plenty of benefits from printing files to PDF on your CPU. You can help cut back on deforestation, share documents with ease, and even ensure that you have cross-compatibility with platforms like Windows or Linux.

Recommended Videos

Step 1: Open the File menu

Note: Almost every Mac application can save a document as a PDF, but to make it easy, we’re going to show you how to print a document to PDF in Numbers.

First, open the document you wish to print to PDF in any Mac application. Once your document is open and you’re ready to save it as a PDF, open the File menu at the top of the page and click Print.

How to print to PDF in MacOS

Step 2: Choose the output file type

Now, you’ll notice the appearance of a Print Options dialog box. In the lower left-hand corner, you’ll notice the PDF drop-down menu. If you click on it, you’ll be able to select multiple choices, including emailing your PDF. Be aware that some applications, such as Numbers, might not include this drop-down. In that case, click Print and select the output or delivery method from the new dialog box.

How to print to PDF in MacOS

Step 3: Save as PDF

Now it’s time to click Save as PDF. You’ll notice another dialog box letting you give your file a name, designate its destination, and click Save. Afterward, the conversion process will keep going. It might take more time if you have a larger file—you can keep an eye on it in the progress bar.

How to print to PDF in MacOS

You’re now all set with your PDF. It’s not too difficult of a process. PDFs are very convenient because they are readable on multiple platforms. Now that you know how to make PDFs on your Mac, you can start sending files more easily than ever before.

Editors’ Recommendations

Jeff Weisbein

Former Digital Trends Contributor iMac deals: New, renewed and refurbished iMac computers

Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display review close

While MacBooks are great, their smaller screens can be a bit difficult to work on, especially if you need to do complex creative work like graphical rending or editing a video. Of course, you could go with an Apple desktop, which is pricey and big, or you can go for one of the best all-in-one computers, the iMac. Not only does it include a larger screen, but it's also a lot smaller and easier to place in a cramped office space, and it has various configurations based on your needs. Of course, they do tend to be pricey, which is why we've gone out and collected some of our favorite deals on them, although if you still want a MacBook, you can check out these MacBook deals or these refurbished MacBook deals. Also, if you're ok with something a bit bigger, then check out our roundup of our favorite desktop deals.
Apple 21.5-inch iMac (2018) Renewed -- $438, was $460

Even cheaper than any of the MacBook deals going on, this Apple 21.5-inch iMac (2018) might be a few years old but it offers plenty of juice for the price. That's the beauty behind many iMacs -- they last a long time thanks to offering reliable hardware and the benefits of MacOS, which tends to mean they stay fast for awhile. In the case of the 2018 21.5-inch iMac, you get a 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor paired up with 16GB of memory which is a great set of specs for ensuring you can get plenty of work done.

Best Mac Mini deals: Save over $100 on an Apple desktop

Apple Mac Mini 2018

Regular desktop computers are great, but they tend to have the problem of being massive, which makes sense if you're going to stick a great big GPU in it. On the other hand, if you're in the Apple ecosystem and are mostly using your computer for work and creative tasks, then an Apple Mac Mini is a great choice. Not only is it a lot smaller than a regular desktop, but it's also surprisingly powerful, with some options including Apple's late M1 and M2 ARM chips, so you aren't giving up performance. As such, we've collected some of our favorite deals on the Mac Minis below, including some older refurbished options that can save you a little extra.

Of course, if you don't find what you're looking for here, you could check out these other excellent Apple deals. Also, if you want a more traditional experience, take a look at these iMac deals and MacBook deals deals as well.
Apple education pricing for new Macs and iPads -- multiple price points

The new Mac mini may be almost as small as the Apple TV

The Apple TV 4K standing vertically with the Apple logo showing from the front

Apple is planning a new version of the Mac mini using the M4 chip, according to reports from Bloomberg. It's expected sometime before the end of the year, and insider information suggests that it will be significantly smaller than the previous generation -- almost as small as the Apple TV box. This will be the first significant redesign of the product since it was overhauled in 2010 under late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

It seems there will be two versions of the new Mac mini, one with the standard M4 chip and one with an M4 Pro chip that has yet to be announced. Like other Pro chips, it's expected that the M4 Pro will support additional memory and enhanced graphic performance.

Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks.