GekiPDF

PDF vs JPEG for Scans: Pick the Right Format and Cut File Size by Up to 95%

Compare PDF and JPEG for scanned documents. See size differences at 150 DPI and 300 DPI, and convert scans online free with GekiPDF.

    Runs the same engine as our PDF to JPG tool.

    A single A4 page scanned at 300 DPI as a colour JPEG is about 1.2 MB. The same page as a PDF (which embeds that JPEG) is roughly the same size, but if you have 20 pages, a PDF keeps them in one file while JPEGs come as separate images. For multi-page documents like contracts or receipts, a PDF is easier to email and archive; for single photos or images you need to edit, a raw JPEG is simpler.

    GekiPDF converts each PDF page to a JPEG at 150 DPI by default – that's about 150 KB per greyscale page, which is enough for on-screen reading. If you need print quality, choose 300 DPI, but expect files four times larger. You can upload up to 50 MB, get a ZIP of all JPEGs in seconds, and no watermark or signup is required.

    Frequently asked questions

    When should I keep a scan as a JPEG instead of a PDF?

    Use JPEG for single images you want to edit, share on social media, or insert into other documents. For multi-page records or anything needing text search later, use PDF.

    How much smaller is a 150 DPI JPEG compared to a 300 DPI one?

    A 300 DPI colour page is about 1.2 MB; at 150 DPI it drops to roughly 300 KB. That's a 75% reduction, often enough for email attachments.

    Can GekiPDF convert my scanned PDF to JPEGs without losing quality?

    It renders each page at 150 DPI by default (or 300 DPI for print). Text stays readable, but fine details may blur at lower resolution. Files are deleted after one hour.

    Do it in the full tool

    Open PDF to JPG for all options, or jump straight to another step below.

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