How To Save Documents as PDF on iPhone and iPad

So, the thing is, recently there’s been a lot of confusion around how to turn documents into PDFs directly on iOS devices, especially with the new iOS 15 update. Apparently, Apple added this neat feature that lets you print to PDF without needing any third-party apps, which is kinda cool but also kinda confusing if you’re not used to it. Sometimes, folks get stuck because they don’t see the print option or don’t know where to find “Save to Files.” The goal here is to make that whole process as painless as possible so you can convert stuff into PDFs on your iPhone or iPad quickly, without fussing around with extra software.

How to Print to PDF on iPhone and iPad with iOS 15

Method 1: Using the Share & Print Options in Any App

This method is the most straightforward because it works in just about any app — from Safari to Notes, or even third-party apps. The trick is, instead of looking for a “Save as PDF” button (because it’s not exactly there), you’ll use the print options to create a PDF snapshot of your document. It’s kinda weird, but it works because of how iOS handles printing — it basically lets you “save” anything you print into a PDF instead of sending it to a physical printer. On one setup it worked first try, on another, I had to try twice, so don’t give up if it seems stubborn at first.

Open whatever app you’re using, like Safari or Files. Find the document or webpage you want to convert into a PDF.
Tap the Share button. Usually, it’s the rectangle with an arrow pointing out — found at the bottom or top of the screen.
Look for the Print option inside the share sheet. If it’s not right there, it might be hidden under the “More” menu, so keep an eye out.
When the print preview pops up, do a pinch-out gesture (like zooming in on the print preview).This forces iOS to open the document as a PDF preview.
Your document will turn into a PDF view now. Tap the Share icon again (the square with an arrow) at the top right.
Choose Save to Files — this lets you store the PDF directly on your device or in iCloud. Pick the location, then hit Save.

This approach helps because it leverages the built-in print-to-PDF functionality, which isn’t exactly obvious at first glance. Some apps might behave differently, so if you don’t see a print preview, try doing it in a different app or restart your device. Sometimes, the gesture to open the PDF preview needs a firm pinch, not a gentle one.

Method 2: Using Shortcuts or Third-Party Tools (If Built-in Fails)

Another way to get this done — especially if you find the print trick too finicky — is using shortcuts, like the Shortcuts app. There are pre-made workflows designed to automate PDF creation from URLs or images. Because of course, Apple has to make it a little more complicated than necessary, but if you’re into scripting a bit, this can bypass some frustrations. Just keep in mind, manually converting images or emails might be trickier, and sometimes third-party apps like PDF Expert or GoodReader can do this job better if built-in options are failing.

In some cases, updating your iOS version or resetting settings related to print options (like resetting network settings or cleaning cache) might help too, but that’s a rabbit hole for another time.

Wrap-up

Honestly, this built-in print-to-PDF feature is a game changer once you get the hang of it. It’s odd at first, especially if the print preview doesn’t pop right away, but after a few tries, it becomes second nature. If all else fails, back in the old days, I used third-party apps or Mac tricks, but now it’s just a matter of a couple of taps and a pinch gesture. Fingers crossed this helps someone get their PDFs sorted quickly without messing around with extra tools. Small wins, right?

Summary

Open your document or webpage, tap Share, then Print.
Pinch out on the print preview to turn it into a PDF view.
Tap the Share icon in the PDF view and select Save to Files.
Pick your storage location, hit Save, and you’re done.

Conclusion

So yeah, turning stuff into PDFs on iOS 15 isn’t as obvious as it could be, but it’s doable. Especially if you’re used to printing stuff all the time, this trick saves you from extra apps. Just keep in mind, some apps might be a little finicky, and occasionally, a quick restart or device update can make things smoother. Overall, it’s a solid addition — if you know where to look and how to pinch that screen.