How to Extract Images from PDF File [Tools with Steps]

In this fast-paced era, PDF files have become widely popular due to their fixed format and easy sharing capabilities. Whether you are working with reports, presentations, or anything else, PDF’s reliability in preserving document structure is unrivaled. However, challenges arise when you try to extract specific elements from these files. In this comprehensive guide, let’s delve into how to extract images from PDF.

Extracting images from PDF files can be accomplished using a variety of methods, depending on your requirements and the tools available. Below are three common types of methods:

1. Extract images from PDF online free

Using online PDF tools (such as SmallPDF, PDF2Go, and more) is a convenient way to extract image from PDF online. You just need to upload your PDFs and export PDF images easily and quickly.

Pros:

• No software installation is required.

• Ideal for users who occasionally need to extract images.

• Convenient from any device with an Internet connection.

Cons:

• Limited ability to handle large or complex PDFs.

• Privacy, sensitive documents are easily compromised.

2. Extract images from PDF with PDF editors

This method involves using safe and reliable PDF editors like Adobe Acrobat to select and extract images directly from the PDF document.

Pros:

• Provides precise control over image selection.

• Good at both of viewing and editing PDF files.

• Handles complex PDFs with multiple images and pages.

Cons:

• Specialized software needs to be installed.

• Some advanced features may require a paid version.

3. Save images from PDF files through screen capture

You can also utilize device-specific hotkeys to capture screenshots to save image from PDF files. You can use PrtScn or Snipping Tool on Windows, simultaneously press the Side button and Volume Up button on iPhone, and use a combination such as Power button + Volume Down on Android.

Pros:

• No additional software required.

• Universally available on all devices.

• Fast and easy processing of individual images.

Cons:

• Manually processing multiple images is very time consuming.

• Quality may vary depending on the device’s screen resolution.

• Unwanted elements, such as text or background, may be captured.

Among the 3 types of methods, using PDF editors may be a good option for you, as this method cannot only handle large and complex PDFs but also ensure that your privacy is protected.

PDF Candy is one of the best PDF editors for extracting images from PDF documents. It usually provides users with the option to download images extracted in various formats, making it the first choice for individuals seeking a reliable online tool for extracting images from PDF documents.

Steps to extract images from PDF online free:

Step 1. Go to the PDF Candy official website on your browser > Scroll down to locate and click the Extract images icon.

Step 2. Click the red + Add File button to upload your PDF that you want to extract images from PDF free. Then, images in the PDF file will be automatically recognized. 

Step 3. When finished, the extracted images will be downloaded as an archive. In this way, you successfully download images from PDF files.

However, if you are worried about your private PDF files being leaked online, you can consider a reliable and efficient tool to export PDF images. In this case, iTop PDF will be a good choice for professionals and individuals seeking high-quality image extraction. With this powerful and efficient tool, you can easily extract images from PDF documents in batches and at high resolution as well.

How to export PDF images with iTop PDF?

Step 1. Click the Download button to get and install iTop PDF on your computer > Launch iTop PDF to its main interface, where you’ll find easy access to various tools.

What makes iTop PDF a must-have software?

• Edit PDF smoothly without hassle
• Convert PDF to any format in high quality
• Split and Merge PDF files easily and quickly
• Add e-signature effortlessly to your PDF

Free Download

Step 2. Select the Convert PDF to Image option and then click Add files to choose the PDF file you wish to extract image from PDF high resolution.

Step 3. Once you’ve added the files to iTop PDF, click the Convert to Image button. After a brief wait, you can download images from PDF.

In addition to helping you extract images from PDF free, iTop PDF has more excellent features such as:

- Convert PDF to PNG/JPG at high resolution: iTop PDF allows you to convert PDF files to high-resolution PNG or JPG images, ensuring clarity and detail in the exported images.

- Convert images/files to PDF easily: iTop PDF provides a user-friendly interface to easily convert a wide range of images and files to PDF documents and vice versa.

- Powerful PDF editor: iTop PDF comes with a powerful PDF editor that allows you to edit, annotate, and modify your PDF documents and also lets you compress PDF online.

- Free PDF tool without login: iTop PDF is a free PDF tool that does not require you to create an account or log in, ensuring convenience for those who prefer a simple and login-free experience.

Simply put, these features make iTop PDF a versatile tool for working with PDF files, whether you use it to convert them to images, remove links from PDF, create PDFs from a variety of formats, or edit existing PDF documents.

Adobe Acrobat is a widely recognized and versatile tool for working with PDF files (including extracting images, converting PDF to Word or other file formats). Adobe Acrobat comes with a comprehensive set of PDF management and editing features, but at the same time, you will need to pay for its excellent functionality. Adobe Acrobat is available in two main versions: Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat DC (paid subscription required).

How to extract images from PDF with Adobe Acrobat:

Step 1. Go to the Adobe Acrobat’s website to download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC > Upload the PDF you want to extract the image from.

Step 2. Locate the Export PDF option in the right-pane > Choose the JPEG, PNG format and then click the Convert button to confirm.

After that, you can download the new images to your PC. (If you haven’t upgraded to Adobe Acrobat Pro, you cannot extract images from PDF Adobe Acrobat.)

Python PDFMiner is another popular tool to extract images from PDF documents, which is an open source Python library designed specifically for working with PDF files. If you are familiar with scripts, Python PDFMiner will be a good choice for you.

How to extract images from PDF with Python PDFMiner:

Step 1. Make sure you have installed Python PDFMiner on your computer.

Step 2. Create a Python script with the following code to extract images from PDF Python PDFMiner.

Step 3. After that, you can check the specified output folder for the extracted images.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about extracting images from PDF. Let’s have a look!

1. How do I extract all images from a PDF?

There are a variety of tools and methods to help you extract images from PDF. If you seek for a convenient way, you can use an online tool like PDF Candy to extract all images from a PDF. In addition, you can install a reliable tool like iTop PDF to help you deal with large PDF files.

2. What file formats can I save the extracted images in?

Most extraction tools support common image formats such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.. As a result, you can choose the format according to your specific needs and the compatibility of your target application.

3. Can I maintain the original image quality when extracting images from a PDF?

Image quality depends on the method that you export PDF images. If you are using a professional PDF editor, it allows you to customize the output settings to maintain image quality.

Final Thoughts

After reading this post, you already know how to extract images from PDF. In this post, there are 3 types of methods to help you extract images from PDF. If you prefer an online way, you can search PDF editors on your browser and then choose a reliable tool to export PDF images. But for a safe way, iTop PDF is the best option for you. It is a free PDF editor with a user-friendly interface, which helps you save images from PDF files without writing any scripts. Why not try it out? Download and use iTop PDF right now!

What makes iTop PDF a must-have software?

• Edit PDF smoothly without hassle
• Convert PDF to any format in high quality
• Split and Merge PDF files easily and quickly
• Add e-signature effortlessly to your PDF

Free Download