How to Print to PDF on a Mac
Use the PDF menu in macOS to save documents, web pages, emails, or images as PDFs, then mail the finished PDF with MappyMail.
At a glance
On a Mac, open the document and choose File, then Print. Open the PDF menu in the print window and choose Save as PDF. Name the file, choose a folder, and save it. No physical printer is required. You can keep or share the PDF, or upload it to MappyMail for physical mailing.
Mail a PDF from your MacStep by step
- 1
Open the item on your Mac
Open the document, web page, email, or image you want to save as a PDF.
- 2
Open the Print window
Choose File, then Print, or press Command+P in an application that supports printing.
- 3
Choose Save as PDF
Open the PDF menu in the print window and choose Save as PDF.
- 4
Name and check the PDF
Choose a file name and folder, save the PDF, and open it to review every page.
What Save as PDF Does on a Mac
The PDF menu in the macOS print window creates a digital PDF file from the printable content in an application. It does not send the document to a physical printer.
Some applications also provide Export as PDF or Download as PDF. Use the option that produces the complete layout you need.
How to Print to PDF with the Mac Print Window
Open the document and choose File, then Print. Review the page range, orientation, paper size, scale, and preview. Open the PDF menu, choose Save as PDF, enter a file name, select a folder, and save.
How to Save Word or Pages Documents as PDF on a Mac
In Microsoft Word, use File and choose Save As or Export, then select PDF. In Pages, choose File, Export To, then PDF. You can also use Save as PDF from the standard Mac print window.
How to Save a Google Doc as PDF on a Mac
Open the Google Doc, choose File, then Download, and select PDF Document (.pdf). The PDF normally appears in the browser download location unless you are prompted to choose another folder.
How to Save a Safari Web Page as PDF
Open the page in Safari and choose File, then Print. Review the preview, open the PDF menu, and choose Save as PDF. Check the finished file because navigation, advertisements, or wide page content can affect the layout.
How to Save an Email as PDF on a Mac
Open the individual message in Mail or another email application and choose Print. Use Save as PDF from the PDF menu, then check that the sender, date, subject, and full message appear in the file.
How to Turn an Image into a PDF with Preview
Open the image in Preview, choose File, then Export as PDF. You can also choose Print and use Save as PDF. Review the finished page size, orientation, image scale, and margins.
How to Check the PDF
Open the saved PDF in Preview and review every page. Confirm that the content is complete, readable, upright, in the correct order, and free of unwanted blank pages.
How to Mail the PDF from Your Mac
Once the PDF is ready, you do not need to print it yourself. Upload it to MappyMail, review every page, and enter a mailing address or click the map to choose the destination.
Choose the available mailing options and complete checkout. MappyMail prints, envelopes, stamps, and mails the PDF as a physical document.
Important limitations
- Print and export options vary between Mac applications, so review the PDF after saving it.
- Web pages, emails, and images may use different margins or page breaks in the saved PDF.
- Protected content may restrict printing or exporting.
Common questions
Do I need a physical printer to print to PDF on a Mac?
No. Save as PDF creates a digital file through the Mac print window without using printer hardware.
Where is Save as PDF on a Mac?
Open File, then Print, and look for the PDF menu in the print window. Choose Save as PDF from that menu.
Can I save a Word document as a PDF on a Mac?
Yes. Use Save As or Export in Word and select PDF, or use Save as PDF from the Mac print window.
Can I turn a photo into a PDF on a Mac?
Yes. Open the photo in Preview and use Export as PDF, or choose Print and use Save as PDF from the PDF menu.
Where did my Mac save the PDF?
The Save as PDF window lets you choose the file name and folder. Check the folder selected there, such as Documents, Desktop, or Downloads.
Can I physically mail the Mac PDF without a printer?
Yes. Upload the completed PDF to MappyMail, choose the destination and available mailing options, and complete checkout online.