# 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)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.diaflow.io/workflow-builder/nodes/built-in-tools/pdf-to-image.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.