Convert XWD to PDF

Understanding xwd and pdf file formats

XWD (X Window Dump) is a raster image file format used to store screenshots taken from X Window System environments, commonly found on Unix and Linux systems. These files contain raw pixel data and metadata about the screen capture. PDF (Portable Document Format), developed by Adobe, is a widely used file format for presenting documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. PDF files can contain text, images, and vector graphics, making them ideal for sharing and printing.

Why convert xwd to pdf?

Converting xwd files to pdf format allows for easier sharing, printing, and archiving of screenshots. PDF files are more universally supported and can be viewed on virtually any device, while xwd files are limited to specific environments and software.

How to convert xwd to pdf

To convert an xwd file to pdf, you need to first convert the xwd image to a more common format (like PNG or JPEG), then convert that image to PDF. This is because most PDF converters do not support xwd files directly.

Best software for xwd to pdf conversion

• ImageMagick: A powerful, open-source command-line tool that can handle both xwd and pdf formats.
• GIMP: A free image editor that can open xwd files and export them as PDF.

Step-by-step conversion using ImageMagick

1. Install ImageMagick on your system.
2. Open a terminal and run:
   convert screenshot.xwd screenshot.pdf
3. The PDF file will be created in the same directory.

Step-by-step conversion using GIMP

1. Open GIMP and load your xwd file (File → Open).
2. Export the image as PDF (File → Export As, then select PDF as the file type).

Online converters

There are few online converters that support xwd files directly. For best results, use ImageMagick or GIMP locally.

Summary

Converting xwd to pdf is best accomplished using ImageMagick or GIMP. These tools ensure high-quality conversion and broad compatibility for sharing and archiving your screenshots.