PDF (Portable Document Format) is one of the most used format when it comes to distributing documents across the web. However, Adobe Acrobat is a paid program (not acrobat reader) and expensive too, so it becomes difficult for everyone to purchase such a software and have the ability to create the PDF files.
Here I would like to mention some of the ways through which you can create the PDF files for free and without spending even a single penny!
1. Using Open Office : With the help of Openoffice.org you can export the documents in PDF format. So, when it comes to quick exporting of the documents, you can always make use of this software.
2. Using Online Office like Zoho, ThinkFree or Google Docs : These service i.e. Zoho and ThinkFree or Google Docs allows you to export the files as PDF. So, when you have some important document, just open them in these online office’s and export them as PDF.
3. Converting the documents using free online converters : There are various online file format converters which allow you to change the documents format. So, you can upload any of your document and convert them into PDF. Zamzar is one of the most reliable service.
4. Using free software : There are various free softwares which allow you to create the PDF files. CutePDF is one of such softwares.
5. Through Microsoft Office : LyteByte has got a great article which tells you that how you can create the PDF files using Microsoft Office Applications.
Which way do you use or do know any other way of creating the PDF files for free ? Share them in comments section!
Credits : Barteleme for the image
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Nice collection of PDF converters…
Great round up on this topic. Well done.!
I am a OpenOffice and Google Doc user. So far so good. :-)
I’ve been using OpenOffice to convert stuff. Have to give PDF converters a try.
@ Everyone : I’m glad that you liked the topic and may be helpful too :)
I use free software which I think is called PrimoPDF. It basically prints things to the PDF format and works great.
Good roundup!
Hey thanks Kyle for showing me this product. Soon, I’ll be able to review it :)
I’ve used CutePDF in past… But now it’s OpenOffice all the way :)
@ dEEPAK : CutePDF is no doubt good..it provides more options but OpenOffice.Org makes life simple :)
Thats a cool list but i prefer CutePDF
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Free PDF maker? Good deal I think!
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Pretty useful list. :-)
@ ken : Thanks for the link back.
@ Nirmal : I’m glad that you liked the list!
The free software section could have used a few more links for us trying to convert graphic files into pdfs… But thanks anyway!
@ Jeremy : Well, if you use cutepdf then you’ll be able to convert those graphics files into PDFs.
Not core to the service, but EchoSign also offer a free online PDF converter that works on the fly:
http://www.echosign.com/public/createPdf
one more great pdf maker..works like a charm
Nirtopdf but i think its a paid one…
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I use the doPDF – it installs as a “virtual printer” so anything that can be printed can become a PDF. I’ve been happy with how it works so far.
I use PrimoPDF. I haven’t tried CutePDF.
I use PrimoPDF. I checked out the features list of CutePDF and doPDF and both of them miss a new and useful feature of PrimoPDF. CutePDF offers this in the paid version, but PrimoPDF already has it for FREE! The feature I’m talking about is combining PDF files. If you have several documents (DOC, PDF, anything) to convert to one single PDF, you can open and then print them (in the order you want) to the same PDF file, choosing “Append” instead of “Overwrite”. This will add the new pages being printed to the end of the PDF file that’s already existing. Thus it allows you to combine all the seperate documents into a single PDF file.
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Google Docs has a limit of 500K on importing content from Word. Therefore it is not an important method for writing PDFs from substantial Word documents.
@ Theodore : Well, yes that’s one point which certainly puts us back however, you still have the chance with rest 4 options :)
I had tried the GhostScript/Redmon approach and was not able to make it work.
Then I tried the free version of CutePDF and it worked like a charm, first time. My 13Mbyte Word file, containing text, a jpeg, and several graphics, became a 670 Kbyte pdf file. It looks fine onscreen and off the printer. Very impressive!
ah! that’s wonderful. Well, I’ve not checked Ghostscript way but what’s the use it didn’t work for you….so its better to stick with cutepdf :D
PrimoPDF guys! (see my previous comment) :P
If your are the geeky kinda guy, use Latex – that can be used to create PDF.
I’m a PRIMO girl myself. But great lil apps here!
I believe any Mac OS X app that has printing capabilities will produce a PDF. Even the lowly Preview.
For me – these tools are great – but you need the bonefide Adobe tools if you want to “Comment enable” your PDF for review, which is what we are using PDFs for more and more.
CutePDF is Best.
I love CutePDF
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I am a happy user of doPDF which I feel is the best among the rest.
It installs itself as a virtual PDF printer driver so after a successful installation will appear in your Printers and Faxes list.