If you need to save a web page for later viewing in offline mode or if you want to have a copy that you can easily share with others or print, in this case convert the page to a PDF file can make your job easier. Chrome and Safari have built-in tools to be able to create PDF files however you will need additional software if you are using Firefox or Internet Explorer. Adobe Acrobat offers the most comprehensive options for web page capture.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Chrome
Step 1. Open the page you want to convert to PDF
When you create a PDF of a website, some elements may change automatically. These depend on the site developers and are generally beyond your control.
This method will print the page you are viewing and will not preserve links from other websites
Step 2. Click the Chrome Menu button and select Print
Step 3. Click the Change button and select Save as PDF
This is located in the "Destination" section.
Step 4. Choose your options
There are several options that you can choose before creating the PDF.
- Click on the menu Layout to determine if you want a “Portrait” or “Landscape”.
- Uncheck Headers and footers if you don't want to have the date, page title and address at the top and bottom of your PDF pages.
- Check the box Background graphics to display the background images.
Step 5. Click the Save button
Give the file a name and define the location of the PDF file.
Method 2 of 4: Safari
Step 1. Open the page you want to convert to PDF
You will notice that with this method, some things will change. This is because site designers can force the web page to print in a certain way.
You can only create a PDF of the page you are visiting
Step 2. Click on the file menu and select Export as PDF
For this you need OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or higher. If you are using an older version, click File → Save as then select PDF as the file type.
Step 3. Give the file a name and determine the save location
Depending on the size of the page, it may take a few moments to create the file.
Method 3 of 4: CutePDF (other Windows browsers)
Step 1. Download CutePDF
Internet Explorer and Firefox do not have built-in PDF creation tools. For this, you must install a virtual printer which will allow you to create a PDF file.
- Go to cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/writer.asp and click Free Download and Free converter. This will download the two programs required for installation.
- This method will create a PDF of the page you are visiting.
Step 2. Launch CuteWriter.exe to begin installing CutePDF
The installer includes several toolbars for browsers so be sure to click Cancel on the first prompt then click Skip this and all remaining offers which will appear.
Step 3. Launch converter.exe once CutePDF installation is complete
You don't need to select any options or worry about adware for this installation, everything is automatic and ad-free.
Step 4. Open the website you want to convert to PDF
Since CutePDF is installed, you can do this from any browser.
Step 5. Open the print window
The fastest way to do this is to press Ctrl + P, of course you can find this from the menu. File or the menu Firefox.
- On Firefox, you will need to click on the button To print from the window Preview before printing.
Step 6. Click the drop-down menu for your printer and select CutePDF Writer
Click the Print button.
Step 7. Name and save your PDF file
After a while, the CutePDF save window will appear so you can name the file and set its location.
Method 4 of 4: Adobe Acrobat Pro
Step 1. Click on the File menu
Then select Create PDF → From a web page. For this you will need to have the paid version of Adobe Acrobat so you can save an entire website with each page on the server retaining its original format and links.
Step 2. Enter the URL of the site you want to convert to PDF
Enter the site address to retrieve all of it. If you only want one page of the site, enter the current URL directly.
Step 3. Decide on the number of levels you want to convert
You can choose Have X levels Where the whole site.
The 1st level is the page that opens when you visit the address. The 2nd level includes the pages with links in the start page. The 3rd level includes the pages with links in the 2nd page. This can create a very large number of files depending on the website
Step 4. Check the boxes to stay on the website
When you start to choose multiple levels, chances are good that the links will lead you outside the site. You can prevent this by selecting Stay in the same lane, which will allow you to choose pages in the same domain or the option Stay in the same server, which will choose pages from the same server.
Step 5. Click the Settings button to adjust the PDF settings
This will allow you to set headers and footers as well as bookmarks.
Step 6. Click the Create button to make the PDF file
Depending on how many levels you have chosen and the size of the site, this can last from a little to a long time.