PDFCreator

Popular programs in PDF

What is PDFCreator

PDFcreator converts documents from any kind of file that you can print into a portable document format or other graphic formats using a virtual printer.

This unassuming converter is simple to use since all you have to do is choose it as a printer from whatever program you're using. It also gives you the option to drag and drop files it recognizes directly into its menu. You can combine several files including photos into one PDF with a single button. In addition, you can also email the new file directly to a recipient from the PDFcreator's menu.

Other output options include PDF, PNG, JPEG, BMP, PCX, TIFF, TXT, Raw and SVG files. Just be aware that only the first page of a document will be converted in some cases. There have been reports of errors involving graphics, but tests converting Word, HTML and Open Office documents produced flawless results, as did tests on various graphics files.

In order to use the drag and drop option, you must set the PDFcreator as your default printer when the prompt shows up. It's easy enough to change back when it's not in use. When using the "add files" tool, it defaults to post script files requiring a drop down menu selection to find anything else, which is a minor annoyance. Like with many free programs, another annoyance was that optional programs were offered to be loaded at the same time. Some may be useful, and all were easily avoided.

Overall, this is a versatile, convenient PDF converter with plenty of nice options for those who want them.

Pros:

• Convert anything you can print
• Drag and drop capable
• Many options for output
• Allows several files to be combined into one document
• Security options include password protection
• Allows settings for compression rate and quality
• Can be installed as a server option

Cons:

• Some documents may require a program that will print the file
• Requires switching your default printer to PDFcreator
• Search defaults to post script files
• Install may include adware