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Portable Document Format (PDF) is a great file format that Adobe initially created, allowing users to share a complete document easily. Since it's a universal file format, you can save text or image content as a PDF in macOS to share those files with people on different platforms.

Here, we'll teach you how to save something as a PDF and when you typically would want to do so.

When to Print to a PDF or Save as a PDF

If you want to export a document and send it to someone, then saving it as a PDF on your Mac is a suitable option. That way, the other person can mark it up or view it on a device that's either another Mac or a different device altogether. For instance, you can save a document as a PDF and send it to someone so they can add a signature easily using Preview in macOS if the document requires it.

You also have the option to secure the document by setting a password in Preview to make sure no one besides you and the recipients can view its contents. Printing to a PDF or saving something as a PDF is possible in many applications. Fo example, you can even save a webpage in Safari as a PDF file.

How to Print to or Save as a PDF in macOS

Saving something as a PDF on your Mac is a quick and straightforward process. You can perform this action in any app that allows you to print. To print to or save as a PDF on a Mac:

  1. With a supported app open, hit Cmd + P on your keyboard or click File > Print from the menu bar.
  2. Click on PDF at the bottom of the print page.
  3. Now, rename the PDF file if necessary, choose a desired location, and click Save.
Saving as a PDF in Pages

Your new PDF will then be saved to whichever folder you selected. If you were wondering how to print a PDF on your Mac to have a physical copy, you can do so by clicking Print when you are at the print screen in your application.

Once you have a couple of them saved, you can also combine PDFs in macOS, so you have them all in one file for convenience.

Easily Save Content as a PDF to Your Mac

That's all you have to do to save text, images, or web content as a PDF on your Mac. Now that you know how to save one, you can keep PDFs for your records or easily send a PDF to someone who uses a Mac or a different device.

All in all, it's an excellent file format for sharing a document that does not need significant edits or just requires a signature.