Rasterize PDF
Rasterization converts each page of a PDF into an image and reassembles those images back into a PDF. The result looks identical to the original but contains no selectable text, no interactive elements, and no editable layers. It is effectively a high-quality photocopy.
How It Works
- Upload one or more PDF files.
- Set the DPI (resolution) for the rasterized output.
- Choose an Image Format -- PNG for lossless quality or JPEG for smaller files.
- Optionally check Convert to Grayscale.
- Click Rasterize PDF. Multiple files download as a ZIP.
Options
| Setting | Values | Default |
|---|---|---|
| DPI | 72, 150, 200, 300, 600 | 150 |
| Image Format | PNG (lossless), JPEG (smaller) | PNG |
| Grayscale | On/Off | Off |
DPI Guidelines
- 72 -- Screen-only viewing, smallest file size
- 150 -- Good balance for general use
- 200 -- Sharper text, moderate file size
- 300 -- Print-quality output
- 600 -- High-quality archival or professional printing
Use Cases
- Preventing text extraction from confidential documents before sharing
- Eliminating font dependency issues by converting text to pixels
- Creating a "flat" version of a PDF with complex layers or transparency that renders differently across viewers
- Preparing a PDF for a system that only accepts image-based input
- Stripping hidden content (like tracked changes or form data) by reducing the PDF to pure images
Tips
- 150 DPI at PNG is a solid default. Only go higher if you need print output or need to zoom in on fine details.
- JPEG produces noticeably smaller files but introduces compression artifacts on sharp text edges.
- Rasterization is irreversible -- keep your original PDF if you might need editable text later.
Related Tools
- Compress PDF -- reduce the rasterized PDF's file size
- Deskew PDF -- straighten pages before rasterizing scanned documents
- Font to Outline -- convert fonts to vector paths if you want to keep scalability
- Flatten PDF -- flatten forms without converting to images