> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.diaflow.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.diaflow.io/workflow-builder/nodes/built-in-tools/pdf-to-image.md).

# PDF to Image

## PDF to Image

### What does it do?

The **PDF to Image** node turns a PDF into image files you can pass to later steps. Think of it like taking clean snapshots of each page so your workflow can read, review, or analyze them visually.

#### Smart Features

* **Can split one PDF into many images**: You can export one page per image, or combine pages into grouped images.
* **Can merge pages automatically**: Choose to group pages as `1`, `2`, or `4` pages per output image.
* **Works with file links from earlier steps**: Use a file from Diaflow or a supported web link.
* **Skips extra work when the input is already an image**: If the incoming file is already an image, the node returns it directly.
* **Can reuse recent results**: Turn on **Enable Cache** when the same PDF is converted often.

<figure><img src="/files/CGiVlVzxm0g3vPJXJy0n" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Real-World Business Value

* Convert invoices or receipts into images before sending them to a vision AI step.
* Turn sales brochures or reports into page images for review in apps or dashboards.
* Break a long PDF into smaller image groups so teams can inspect pages faster.

### Step-by-Step Setup

* In the **Input** field, select the PDF file from an earlier step using **@**.
* Make sure the file is a PDF link from Diaflow or a reachable web link.
* In **Pages per image**, enter `1` if you want one page per image.
* Enter `2` if you want two pages combined side by side. This is a good default for faster review.
* Enter `4` if you want four pages combined into one grid image.
* Turn on **Enable Cache** only if you plan to reuse the same PDF again soon.
* Run the workflow and review the returned image links in the output.

<figure><img src="/files/vTvK07Q6B2ShBqSsIjLl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### The Transformation: Before & After

**Before**

```
Input file:
quarterly-report.pdf

Pages per image:
2
```

**After**

```json
[
  "https://.../pdf_page_01.jpeg",
  "https://.../pdf_page_02.jpeg",
  "https://.../pdf_page_03.jpeg"
]
```

```
Result:
- Image 1 contains pages 1 and 2
- Image 2 contains pages 3 and 4
- Image 3 contains pages 5 and 6
```

<figure><img src="/files/x6ZG89WXgCyWzHbRSIsm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Tips &  Warnings for First-Timers

* Only use `1`, `2`, or `4` in **Pages per image**. Other values will fail.
* Use `1` when page detail matters, such as invoices, forms, or dense reports.
* Large PDFs can take longer and may fail if they contain many pages or very large page sizes.
* Password-protected PDFs are not supported. Unlock the file first.
* If you enable cache, older image links can expire later. Turn cache off when you need fresh links every time.
* Use a proper Diaflow file link or a normal web link. Incomplete file paths can fail.
* Slow external file links can delay the workflow. Upload the PDF into Diaflow first when possible.
* If your input may already be an image, this node returns that image as-is. Check the result before assuming a PDF was converted.

### Need help?

* Learn the basics in [How a node works](/getting-started/lets-start-with-the-basics/how-a-node-works.md)
* Build the full flow in [Create a workflow](/workflow-builder/create-a-workflow.md)
* Browse related nodes in [Component List](/workflow-builder/component-list.md)