Copy images from PDF: This is how it works

Copying an image from a PDF can be done either manually using a PDF reader or automatically using special software tools

Copy images manually from PDF

PDF files often contain not only text, but also images, which are not always easy to extract. The easiest way to copy images from a PDF file is the manual approach. Here you can use functions that are integrated in the most common PDF readers.

• Open the PDF file: Open the PDF file with a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader or another program of your choice.

• Select image: Navigate to the page where the image is located. Most PDF readers allow you to select images directly. To do this, right-click on the image. A context menu will appear in which you can select “Copy image” or “Save image as”.

• Save image: After you have selected “Save image as”, you can select the storage location and the file format (e.g. JPG or PNG). The image will now be saved on your computer and can be used again.

Extract images from PDFs with special tools

If you regularly work with PDFs and need to extract images frequently, specialized tools are the better choice. These programs are designed to automatically extract all images from a PDF file and often offer other useful functions.

• Find PDF image extraction programs: Find a suitable program. There are a variety of programs designed specifically for extracting images from PDFs. Examples include: PDF24 Creator, Smallpdf and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

• Upload or open file: With most tools, you must first load the PDF file into the program. With online tools such as Smallpdf or ILovePDF, this is done by uploading the file to the browser. With desktop programs, you open the file directly via the menu:

• Extract images: After uploading or opening the file, select the “Extract images” or “Export images” function. The tool then automatically extracts all images from the PDF and saves them in a folder of your choice.

• Save and manage: After extraction, you can manage the images as required. Some tools offer additional options, such as converting the images to other formats or adjusting the resolution.