The easiest way to create a PDF file is to design it in a familiar program (such as a free word processor, desktop publishing application, or photo editor) and then export it as a PDF file. PDF. However, this is not always possible. You may be using a program that does not offer optional PDF, you can create a PDF file from a web page, or you can convert multiple documents at once.
This is where dedicated PDF creators come in. These programs act as a printer driver and allow you to create PDF files in any application that has the 'Print' option. That's not all - a good PDF creator also includes handy features like the ability to split and combine PDF files, extract specific pages, and adjust security settings. Here is our pick of the best.
Bullzip is an excellent PDF creator and the basic version is free for personal use. Image Credit: bullzip.com
1. Bullzip PDF Printer Community Edition
Full of tools that you didn't realize, but you can't do without.
Customizable Medatdata
You can combine PDF files
Supports digital signatures
Bullzip PDF Printer Community Edition is a free version of business-oriented PDF creation software. It looks stylish, is well designed, and contains all the tools you may need to create your own PDF files.
By using a PDF file to create a PDF file, Bullzip can tag the resulting document with customizable metadata, including an author, title, subject, and keywords. You can apply a custom watermark (including variables such as current date, page number, computer name, username, etc.), apply a digital signature, add PDF to the converted (for example, if want to insert terms and conditions in document batches), add password protection and set permissions.
You can even change the initial zoom level when the PDF is open. You can choose a setting that allows other people to start reading the text immediately without adjusting your PDF viewer beforehand.
Some options are limited to premium licensed software (including FTP download), and your PDF will have a watermark if you use any of these settings, but you will be notified in advance if this will occur.
Bullzip is extremely impressive. Although its interface is not as brilliant as the others, it is incredibly flexible and offers everything you could need from a PDF creator.
PDFCreator integrates with the Windows context menu, making it one of the most practical PDF creators you can download
2.PDFCreator
A highly customizable tool that makes it easy to create PDF files
S & # 39; built-in context menu
Many customization options
Any additional software provided
PDFCreator is a nice and flexible PDF printer driver. As with Bullzip, you can start using the default settings right away. Simply select "Print" in the program of your choice and select it from the list of available devices. But start the application and you will discover a great variety of customizations. Options.
One of our favorite tools is the Windows Explorer context menu integration. Once enabled, you can right-click on a text or image file to convert it to PDF without opening it.
You can also change the output settings, including metadata, watermarks, and file name. If you don't want to just save it directly to your hard drive, your PDF file can be sent directly to Dropbox, your favorite email client, or an FTP server. Everything is very well designed and easy to configure.
The free version of PDFCreator is ad-supported, but almost identical to its paid counterpart. When installing PDFCreator, select the 'Advanced' option to disable any unwanted extras. PDFArchitect is a free PDF editor that deserves to be studied: it allows you to adjust, rotate and sign your documents once they are created.
Once you have opened a free account, PDF24 Creator offers you a complete set of tools for PDF creation and conversion. Image Credit: Geek Software GmbH
3.PDF24Creator
A solid set of PDF tools, but starting to look dated.
Can convert scanned documents
Unattractive interface
Does not support DOCX format
PDF24 Creator is another PDF printer driver that makes it easy to export documents from any other application. To use all its features, you need to create a free account (to be used to manage any premium software from the same developer) and then enter an activation code. It's not very complicated, but it counts when competing programs offer the same tools without you submitting personal data.
Once you are there, you will find a good selection of tools, although some are very similar to each other. For example, there is a drag-and-drop converter (although unfortunately it cannot handle DOCX files), as well as a printing assistant that uses a different interface to achieve the same goal.
The ability to convert documents directly from a scanner or camera is highly appreciated, although many people will not have the opportunity to use the "Send by Fax" option in 2017.
PDF24 Creator is a solid PDF creator, but its interface and toolbox show how old these are, and it might be helpful to streamline them by aligning them with the competition.