Steps
Convert HEIC photos to JPG (iPhone, if needed)
iPhones and iPads save photos as HEIC by default, which some apps and browsers cannot open. Convert them to JPG here; full resolution and orientation are kept, and location data is not copied. If your photos are already JPG, as most Android photos are, skip this step. Outside Safari, the HEIC decoder (about 1 MB) is downloaded once on first use.
Straighten the pages and make the PDF
Add the photos, or press Take photo to use the camera. Page edges are detected automatically; drag any corner that is off onto the corner of the paper. Choose Enhanced for documents, Black & white for plain text, or Original for photos and drawings, and rotate any sideways page. Put the pages in order, choose the page size and file size (Balanced suits most documents), then press Create PDF and check every page is readable.
Compress to a target size (optional)
Only needed if the PDF is too big for the email or form you are sending it to. Choose a target below that limit (Custom size accepts any KB or MB value). Tick Black and white for text-only pages to save the most space. Compare the before and after preview: if small print blurs, pick a larger target or remove pages you do not need.
Requirements and sources
| What | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone camera setting - shoot JPEG instead of HEIF (Settings > Camera > Formats) | Tap Formats, then tap Most Compatible. | Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices - Apple Support Last verified 2026-10-21 |
| iPhone camera setting - effect of Most Compatible | All new photos and videos will now use JPEG or H.264 format. | Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices - Apple Support Last verified 2026-10-21 |
| iPhone sharing - automatic conversion | the media might automatically be shared in a more compatible format, such as JPEG or H.264. | Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices - Apple Support Last verified 2026-10-21 |
| Gmail - attachment size limit (personal accounts) | For personal Gmail accounts, the limit is 25 MB. | Send attachments with your Gmail message - Gmail Help Last verified 2026-10-21 |
| Mail Drop (iCloud Mail) - large attachments | With Mail Drop, you can send attachments up to 5 GB in size. | Mail Drop limits - Apple Support Last verified 2026-10-21 |
FAQ
Do I need the HEIC step on an Android phone?
Usually not. Android cameras normally save JPG, which the scanner reads directly, so start at the second step. If you were sent HEIC photos from an iPhone, convert them first.
Can I take the photos straight from this page?
Yes. Take photo opens your phone's camera. Lay the page flat on a darker, plain surface in good light, shoot from straight above, fill most of the frame with the page and avoid flash glare. Each shot is added as the next page.
How big will the PDF be?
It depends on the number of pages and the File size option: High quality, Balanced or Smallest. Black & white pages are usually much smaller than colour. If the result is over your limit, use the optional compress step rather than retaking the photos.
Is the text in the PDF searchable?
No, each page is an image of the paper. To select or search the text, run the finished PDF through OCR PDF and tick the searchable PDF option.
Are my photos sent to a server?
No. HEIC conversion, edge detection, straightening and PDF creation all run on your phone or computer. Only the program code (the PDF library, and the HEIC decoder outside Safari) is downloaded; your photos are not.
The PDF is too big for my email. What are my options?
Compress it with the third step, choose Smallest in the scan step, or split the pages into two PDFs. Gmail lists 25 MB for personal accounts; on an iPhone, Mail Drop can send attachments up to 5 GB. Attachment limits differ by service, and the receiving mail server may accept less.
BufferMint is not affiliated with Apple, Google or any email provider. Limits are set by each service and change; check their help page. Files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded.