PDF to JPG conversion is usually straightforward, but when something goes wrong, it can quickly become frustrating. Blurry images, missing pages, incorrect orientation, or unexpected file sizes are common issues users encounter when converting PDFs into JPG images.
In this article, we'll cover the most common PDF to JPG conversion problems, explain why they happen, and show how to fix them.
Why PDF to JPG Conversion Problems Occur
Most conversion problems happen due to:
- Incorrect output settings
- Low-quality source files
- Aggressive compression
- Poor rendering methods
- Incompatible PDF structures
Understanding the cause makes it easier to fix the issue.
Problem 1: JPG Images Look Blurry
Blurry images are the most common complaint. This usually happens when low DPI is used, output quality is set too low, or the PDF is scanned at poor resolution.
How to Fix It
- Use high-quality settings during conversion
- If DPI options are available, choose higher resolution (150-300 DPI)
- Avoid resizing images after conversion, as this reduces clarity
Using our converter with high-quality settings usually resolves this issue. For more details, see our quality settings guide.
Problem 2: Text Is Hard to Read After Conversion
Unreadable text often occurs in scanned documents. Small fonts suffer the most when quality settings are too low.
How to Fix It
- Select high quality or maximum quality
- Zoom in on the output image to verify text clarity before submitting
- If the original scan is low quality, re-scanning at higher resolution is the only true fix
For scanned documents, see our scanned PDF conversion guide.
Problem 3: Converted Images Are Too Large in File Size
High-quality images can sometimes result in large files. This becomes an issue when uploading images to platforms with size limits.
How to Fix It
- Reduce quality slightly while maintaining readability
- Convert only the pages you need
- Avoid maximum DPI unless printing is required
Balancing quality and size is key. See our file size reduction guide for more tips.
Problem 4: Pages Are Missing After Conversion
Sometimes users notice that not all pages are converted. This usually happens when only selected pages were chosen, the upload was interrupted, or the PDF structure is unusual.
How to Fix It
- Double-check page selection before converting
- Reupload the PDF and convert again if necessary
- Ensure the entire file uploads successfully
Problem 5: Page Orientation Is Incorrect
Converted images may appear rotated or flipped. This is common in scanned PDFs where orientation metadata is inconsistent.
How to Fix It
- Check orientation before converting
- Rotate the PDF if needed and reconvert
- Most modern converters handle orientation correctly, but source files still matter
Problem 6: Colors Look Washed Out or Incorrect
Color issues can appear in image-heavy PDFs. This is often due to color space differences, compression settings, or poor source quality.
How to Fix It
- Use high-quality output settings
- Avoid low-quality compression modes
- If color accuracy is critical, test a single page first
Problem 7: ZIP File Won't Download or Open
When converting multi-page PDFs, images are often provided in a ZIP file. Issues can occur due to interrupted downloads, browser restrictions, or incomplete conversions.
How to Fix It
- Ensure the download completes fully
- Try downloading individual JPG images if available
- Use a reliable ZIP extraction tool
Problem 8: Conversion Fails or Takes Too Long
Large or complex PDFs may take longer to process. Failure can occur due to very large file size, weak internet connection, or temporary browser issues.
How to Fix It
- Ensure a stable internet connection
- Try converting fewer pages at a time
- Refresh the page and try again
Step-by-Step: Fix Problems Using Our Tool
If you encounter issues, follow these steps:
Step 1: Reopen the Converter
Go to our homepage. Start fresh to avoid cached errors.
Step 2: Reupload the PDF File
Upload the file again to ensure a clean conversion process.
Step 3: Review Settings Carefully
Choose appropriate quality settings. Avoid extreme settings unless necessary.
Step 4: Convert and Preview
Convert the file and preview the output images. Check clarity, size, and completeness before using them.
When the Source File Is the Problem
Sometimes the issue lies in the PDF itself:
- Low-quality scans cannot be magically improved
- Corrupted files may behave unpredictably
In such cases, obtaining a better source file is the only real solution.
Tips to Avoid Conversion Problems in the Future
- Always start with the best possible PDF quality
- Choose settings based on your actual use case
- Preview results before final submission
- Avoid repeated conversions of the same file
For more detailed guidance, explore our complete conversion guide.