It can be frustrating when you need to print out a document from your iPhone and you don’t have access to a printer. Luckily, you can add a PDF printer to your iPhone, which will allow you to save any document on your device as a PDF and share it with others or print it out later. In this blog post, we will explore three different methods available for adding a PDF printer to your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Adding a PDF Printer to iPhone
Printing from an iPhone wasn’t an option until the release of AirPrint, which works with certain printers that are AirPrint-enabled. However, not all printers support AirPrint, which makes it difficult for iPhone users to print documents. Additionally, not everyone has access to a printer at all times, especially when on-the-go. This is where adding a PDF printer to your iPhone comes in handy. With this feature, you can convert any document on your iPhone into a PDF and print it later.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we begin, you should ensure that your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS. You will also need an Internet connection and access to the App Store.
Method 1: Using PDF Converter for iPhone
- PDF Converter for iPhone is a popular app that allows users to convert documents to PDF format.
- To use this method, you need to download and install PDF Converter for iPhone from the App Store.
- Once the app is installed, open it and select the document you want to convert to PDF.
- Tap the "Convert" button, and the app will convert your document to PDF format.
- You can then share the PDF via email, message, or save it to your iCloud or Dropbox account.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- PDF Converter for iPhone is a free app
- Documents can be saved to iCloud or Dropbox account
Cons:
- You need to have an Internet connection to use the app
- The app includes ads, which can be intrusive
Method 2: Using Google Drive
- Google Drive is a popular cloud-based storage service that allows users to store and share their files and documents.
- To use this method, you need to install the Google Drive app on your iPhone from the App Store and sign in with your Google account.
- Open Google Drive and upload the document you want to convert to PDF format.
- Once the file is uploaded, tap on it and select "Open In…"
- Select the "Save as PDF" option, which will convert the document to PDF format.
- You can then share the PDF via email, message, or save it to your iCloud or Dropbox account.
Pros:
- Google Drive is a free cloud-based storage service
- Documents can be accessed from anywhere
- Documents can be shared with others
Cons:
- You need to have an Internet connection to use Google Drive
- The PDF conversion process can be slow
Method 3: Using iOS Print to PDF Feature
- iOS comes with a built-in Print to PDF feature, which allows you to save any document as a PDF file.
- To use this method, open the document you want to convert to PDF.
- Tap the "Share" icon, and select the "Print" option.
- Pinch to zoom out on the preview image to access the full page.
- Tap the "Share" icon again, and select the "Save to Files" option, which will save the document as a PDF file to your iCloud Drive.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require any additional app or service
- The PDF is saved directly to iCloud Drive
- Simple and easy to use
Cons:
- Documents can only be saved to iCloud Drive
- The process can be slow on older devices
Why Can’t I Print from My iPhone?
There can be several reasons why you can’t print from your iPhone. Some of the most common reasons include:
1. Lack of AirPrint Support:
Some printers do not support AirPrint, which is Apple’s standard for wireless printers. If your printer doesn’t support AirPrint, you won’t be able to print directly from your iPhone.
Fix:
You can try using a third-party app or service, like the ones mentioned above, to print your document or convert it to PDF format and save it for printing later.
2. Outdated Printer Software:
If your printer does support AirPrint, you may need to update the firmware or software for your printer to ensure it’s compatible with iOS.
Fix:
Check your printer manufacturer’s website for available updates or contact their support team for assistance.
3. Connectivity Issues:
If your printer is not connected to a wireless network or connected via Bluetooth, you won’t be able to print directly from your iPhone.
Fix:
Check your printer’s manual or contact their support team for instructions on how to connect the printer to a wireless network or Bluetooth.
Additional Tips
- Make sure you have enough storage space on your iPhone before converting documents to PDF format.
- Always double-check the converted PDF document for formatting issues before sharing or printing.
- Consider using a password-protected PDF if you’re sharing sensitive information.
5 FAQs about Adding A PDF Printer to iPhone
Q1: Can I print a document directly from my iPhone to a non-AirPrint printer?
A: Yes, you can use a third-party app or service, like PDF Converter for iPhone or Google Drive, to print a document from your iPhone to a non-AirPrint printer.
Q2: Can I print a document from an app that doesn’t support AirPrint?
A: Yes, you can still print a document from an app that doesn’t support AirPrint by using the "Open In" feature. Open the document in the app, tap the "Share" icon, and select "Open In…" then select the app you want to use to print the document.
Q3: How do I print a PDF document from my iPhone?
A: You can print a PDF document from your iPhone by using AirPrint, selecting the PDF file and then choosing the AirPrint option.
Q4: Is it safe to convert and share sensitive documents as PDFs?
A: PDF files offer protection through password encryption, so you can safely convert and share sensitive documents with the right password-protected PDF feature.
Q5: Can I edit a PDF document on my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can edit PDF documents on your iPhone with the help of third-party apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
In Conclusion
By adding a PDF printer to your iPhone, you can easily convert and save your documents in PDF format, which can then be shared or printed later. The three methods described above make it easy to achieve, and each has its own pros and cons to consider depending on your needs. Use these tips and advice, and you’ll soon be able to print and share your documents from your iPhone effortlessly.
