How to Convert Apple Pages to PDF on Mac, iPhone and iPad
Export an Apple Pages document to PDF while preserving the original editable Pages file.
Export on Mac
- Open the document in Pages.
- Choose the PDF export option from the File menu.
- Select available quality options and save the new PDF.
- Inspect the PDF before sharing it.
Export on iPhone or iPad
- Open the document in the Pages app.
- Use the document menu or Share/Export control and choose PDF.
- Save to Files or share through the intended app.
If layout changes
- Check unusual fonts, floating objects, page size and margins.
- Review final page breaks and orientation.
Keep the source
- Retain the .pages file separately.
- Use versioned filenames to avoid editing the wrong file.
Prepare the Pages document before export
Review page size, orientation, margins, headers, footers and manual page breaks before creating the PDF. PDF preserves the resulting page layout, so an unexpected break in Pages will usually remain in the exported file.
If the document contains tracked changes or comments, decide whether they should be accepted, hidden or otherwise resolved before export. Do not assume a PDF will automatically omit editorial material.
Check fonts, images and links in the PDF
Open the exported PDF on a device other than the one used to create it when the document will be distributed widely. Look for substituted fonts, low-resolution images and missing characters.
Click important links in the PDF. Exported links can be useful, but a correct-looking piece of text is not proof that the hyperlink target survived the export.
Use PDF for distribution, Pages for editing
When collaborators need to continue editing the document, send the Pages file or another agreed editable format. PDF is best when you want a stable layout for reading, printing or archiving.
Keeping both formats avoids repeated conversion cycles that can slowly degrade formatting.