How to convert an array of images to PDF in Power Automate

The Plumsail Documents connector in Power Automate introduces a new Convert Images to PDF action that lets you convert multiple images into a single PDF. Supported image formats include JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP. This feature is useful for organizing receipts, managing travel documents, or securely archiving paperwork. In this article, we'll show you how employees can capture images of receipts with their phones, and Power Automate flow will combine them into a single PDF.

In this article:

• Use case: Expense reimbursement
• Convert images to PDF in Power Automate: step-by-step guide
  • Step 1: Create and trigger the flow to convert an array of images to PDF
  • Step 2: List files in SharePoint
  • Step 3: Create an array variable
  • Step 4: Get file content and append to array
  • Step 5: Convert images to PDF in Power Automate
  • Step 6: Create PDF file
  • Step 7: Share by email
• Conclusion: automate image to PDF conversion in Power Automate
• Convert images to PDF and PDF to images in Power Automate with Plumsail Documents

Use case: Expense reimbursement

Employees on business trips incur various expenses. After their trips, they take photos of their receipts and upload them to a SharePoint folder. The goal is to use Power Automate to convert these images into a PDF and send it to the accounting department. The Images to PDF action simplifies this process, ensuring that receipts are compiled into a single PDF and sent for reimbursement.

Convert images to PDF in Power Automate: step-by-step guide

In this section, we'll guide you through creating a Power Automate flow that converts an array of images into a single PDF and emails it to the accounting department for expense reimbursement. Follow these steps to automate the process and reduce manual work.

Step 1: Create and trigger the flow to convert an array of images to PDF

First, log into your Power Automate account and create a new flow. For demonstration purposes, we use the Manually trigger a flow action, but in real-life scenarios, it can be triggered by events such as uploading files to a SharePoint folder, receiving an email, or submitting a form.

Step 2: List files in SharePoint

Next, set up the List folder action in SharePoint. This action retrieves all the files stored in the specified folder, allowing you to process them later in the flow. Fill in the site address and specify the path to the folder where your receipt and invoice images are stored. This ensures that all images uploaded by employees are collected for further processing.

Step 3: Create an array variable for images

In this step, we create an ImageArray variable of the Array type to store the image data. This variable will store all images retrieved from the SharePoint folder, setting them up for conversion from JPG to PDF in Power Automate.

Step 4: Get file content and append to array

Extract the contents from the List files action in SharePoint using the Get file content action. Enter the SharePoint site address and use the dynamic Id from the File Identifier field. Append each file content to the ImageArray variable using the Append to array variable action inside a For each control loop.

Step 5: Convert images to PDF in Power Automate

Now we have our array of images and are ready to convert them to PDF. To do this, we'll use the Plumsail Documents connector and the Convert Images to PDF action. This action converts JPEG to PDF and supports other formats like PNG, GIF, and BMP.

If you're using the Plumsail Documents connector for the first time, you'll need to set up an API key. To do this, sign up for a Plumsail account, navigate to the Documents, and generate an API key.

Once you have the key, you can add it to your Power Automate flow by selecting Plumsail Documents as a connector and entering the key in the required field.

Now, add the Convert Images to PDF action to your flow. In the Image Content field, specify the ImageArray variable created in the previous steps. This action will take all the images stored in the array and combine them into a single PDF document.

Step 6: Create PDF file

If there is ever a need to extract images back from PDF documents, Plumsail Documents action Convert PDF to Image in Power Automate is also available, making it simple to retrieve JPEG, PNG, or BMP images from any PDF.

Step 7: Share by email

Conclusion: automate image to PDF conversion in Power Automate

In addition to image to PDF conversion, Plumsail Documents offers a Convert PDF to Image action in Power Automate. This converts each PDF page to JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP, which can be useful in workflows like:

• Extract PDF pages as images for presentations or emails
• Convert training manuals to images for mobile access
• Split a PDF brochure into images for social media
• Create image files from PDFs for systems that support only image storage

Convert images to PDF and PDF to images in Power Automate with Plumsail Documents

Register an account for a 30-day free trial to explore Plumsail Documents in Power Automate. Need help? Book a free Intro call with the Plumsail team, and we'll assist with your automation needs.