Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. Guides

How to print to PDF in MacOS

Jeff Weisbein
By

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.

Related Videos

For other PDFcontent, check out our guides on how to edit a PDF file, how to convert a PDF to a Word file, and how to convert a PDF file to a JPG.

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

Topics
The best MacBook in 2023
everything apple announced at its one more thing event m1 macbook pro 13

With Apple's introduction of the latest M2 MacBook models, it's time to take another look at which is the best MacBook to buy in 2023. Buying the newest MacBook isn't always the right decision since Apple has several tiers of performance, as well as various sizes. There are several MacBook models available, designated MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, with varying memory and storage configurations, as well as four kinds of processors, providing a wide selection to choose from.

While some retailers still have stock of the older Intel-powered models available, those devices don't make it on our list of the top MacBook laptops since they rely on outdated technology. It's not that Intel chips can't compete; however, Apple stopped building laptops that use the latest Intel chips in 2020. That means older models are slowly losing compatibility as each new version of operating system, such as MacOS Ventura, adds features that are designed exclusively for Apple silicon.

Read more
Your next MacBook Pro could be even faster than expected
The MacBook Pro on a wooden table.

If you thought Apple’s existing Mac chips were impressive, wait until you see what’s coming next. According to a new report from DigiTimes (via Wccftech), the next generation will be better than anything Apple offers at the moment -- much, much better.

That’s great news for Mac enthusiasts. Right now, Apple’s M-series chips are made by TSMC using a 5-nanometer process. They’re widely expected to shift to a smaller 3nm process soon, and according to DigiTimes, TSMC’s testing shows its 3nm process is surpassing even its own expectations.

Read more
Apple spring event: massive Mac launch, XR headset, and more
Tim Cook at WWDC 2022.

Apple only held one event in the second half of 2022: its iPhone 14 launch show. That meant a bunch of expected devices, from Macs to a mixed-reality headset, never saw the light of day. But that could soon change.

That’s because rumors have been swirling that Apple is planning a product extravaganza this spring where it will unveil a host of new devices to the world. If that’s true, what should we expect to see? Well, you’re in the right place to find out, as we’ve collected all the latest rumors here. Wondering what’s next on Apple’s 2023 calendar? Read on to find out.
Mixed-reality headset
Apple AR/VR headset render Ian Zelbo

Read more