Krita can export to PDF, but with limits on what transfers

Yes, Krita exports to PDF. Open the File menu, choose Export As, and select PDF from the format dropdown. The export works, and the file opens in any PDF reader. But Krita's PDF export has real constraints: it flattens your layers into a single image, it does not preserve text as searchable text, and it does not support some of Krita's native features like animation or vector shapes the way they exist in your project file.

If you need to send your work to someone else or archive it, PDF works fine for finished paintings, illustrations, and photo edits. If you need to preserve layers, editability, or hand the file to someone who will change it, you should export as Krita's native .kra format instead, or use a different format like PSD if you need Photoshop compatibility.

Key Takeaways

  • Krita's PDF export flattens all layers into a single image, so you cannot edit layers after export.
  • Text in Krita becomes part of the image in PDF, not searchable text, so it cannot be selected or edited in a PDF reader.
  • PDF export works well for finished artwork you want to share or print, but not for files you plan to edit later.
  • If you need to preserve your project for future editing, save as .kra (Krita's native format) instead of exporting to PDF.

What happens to layers when you export as PDF

Krita merges all visible layers into one flat image during PDF export. This is permanent in the PDF file itself — when someone opens it in Adobe Reader, Preview, or any other PDF viewer, they see a single image, not a stack of layers. If you later realize you need to adjust a specific layer or hide a background element, you cannot do that from the PDF.

Before you export, make sure your image looks exactly the way you want it. Hide any layers you do not want in the final output, and merge or flatten anything you are certain about. If you think you might need to edit the file later, keep your original .kra file and export a copy as PDF instead of replacing your working file.

Text and vector shapes in PDF export

Any text you create in Krita becomes part of the image when exported to PDF — it is not searchable or selectable text. Someone reading your PDF cannot click on the text, copy it, or search for words using the PDF reader's search function. The text appears as pixels, the same as your painted brushstrokes.

Vector shapes (shapes drawn with Krita's shape tools) also rasterize into pixels during PDF export. If you drew a perfect circle or rectangle, it becomes a painted circle or rectangle in the PDF. This matters if you are creating documents where text needs to remain editable, like forms, templates, or documents meant for further design work. For those cases, consider exporting to SVG instead if your content is vector-based, or use a different tool like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator.

When PDF export is the right choice

PDF works well for finished artwork: digital paintings, illustrations, photo edits, and concept art. It compresses well, opens on any device, and looks the same on screen and in print. If you are sharing your work with a client, posting it online, or printing it, PDF is a solid choice.

PDF is also useful for archiving. If you have completed a project and do not plan to edit it again, exporting to PDF takes up less disk space than keeping the full .kra file with all its layers and history. You can keep both — the .kra as your master file and the PDF as a shareable or printable version.

Alternatives to PDF export in Krita

If you need to preserve layers and editability, save your file as .kra (Krita's native format). This keeps everything: layers, masks, adjustment layers, text layers, and your full editing history. Anyone with Krita can open it and make changes. The file is larger than a PDF, but it is the only way to hand off a fully editable project.

For sharing with Photoshop users, export as PSD. Krita's PSD export preserves layers and is compatible with Photoshop and other tools that read PSD files. For web use where file size matters, PNG or JPG are smaller than PDF and display faster. For vector-based work, SVG export keeps shapes as vectors rather than pixels.

Steps to export as PDF in Krita

Open your finished image in Krita. Go to File in the menu bar, then click Export As. A dialog box opens asking where to save the file and what to name it. In the file format dropdown (usually at the bottom of the dialog), select PDF Image. Choose your save location and filename, then click Export.

A second dialog may appear with PDF options. The defaults usually work fine — you can adjust compression, resolution, or color space if needed, but most users can leave these as they are. Click Export again to finish. Your PDF file is now saved and ready to open, share, or print.

Common issues with Krita PDF export

If your PDF looks blurry or pixelated, the resolution was too low during export. Krita defaults to screen resolution (72 DPI), which is fine for viewing on a monitor but too low for printing. Before exporting, check your image size in Image > Image Properties. For print, aim for at least 300 DPI. If your image is smaller than needed, you may need to scale it up or accept lower print quality.

If colors look different in the PDF than in Krita, this is usually a color space mismatch. Krita works in RGB by default, but some PDFs are set to CMYK for print. For screen viewing, RGB is fine. For professional printing, ask your printer whether they need RGB or CMYK, and convert your image before exporting if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit a PDF after I export it from Krita?

Not in Krita. Once exported, the PDF is a flattened image. You can open it in a PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat or free tools like PDFtk, but you cannot edit the artwork itself — only add annotations or text on top. If you need to change the image, go back to your original .kra file, make the change, and export again.

Does Krita's PDF export work for documents with text?

It works, but the text becomes part of the image and is not searchable. If you need a document where text must remain editable and selectable, use a word processor or design tool built for documents, like LibreOffice Writer or Affinity Publisher, rather than Krita.

What file size should I expect from a PDF export?

PDF files from Krita are usually smaller than the original .kra file but larger than a JPG of the same image. The exact size depends on your image dimensions, resolution, and the compression settings you choose during export. For most artwork, expect a PDF to be 1 to 10 MB.

Can I export multiple pages as a single PDF?

Krita's standard PDF export creates a single-page PDF from your current image. If you need a multi-page PDF, you would need to export each page separately and then combine them using a PDF tool like PDFtk or a free online PDF merger.

Should I export as PDF or keep my file as .kra?

Keep your .kra file as your master. Export a PDF copy when you need to share, print, or archive a finished version. The .kra file preserves all your work and lets you make changes later if needed.