Free PDF writer

[taq8ojh]

Anyone can recommend something similar to CutePDF Writer, but without having to download any additional stuff? Ideally something that would install with "one click" and wouldn't need any additional configuring? Oh, and with no bloody Ask toolbars or other bloat bundled with the installer.

 

[lxskllr]

If you have modern office type software, most of them will export to pdf.

 

[taq8ojh]

My wife works with fairly large Word documents with lots of pictures, and says saving as pdf doesn't work reliably, so this "print to pdf" thing is a way to go for her.

 

[TSDible]

I've always used PDF Creator:

http://www.pdfforge.org/pdfcreator

 

[lxskllr]

I've always used PDF Creator:

http://www.pdfforge.org/pdfcreator

To anyone reading, checkout the Wiki article on the bundled spyware. I don't have personal experience with the product, but those kinds of tactics turn me off to software that use them.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDFCreator

I haven't used it, but I saw CC PDF Creator on Wikipedia. One thing I'm not clear on is if you can opt out of the CC license. I presume so, but haven't read through everything.

http://www.cogniview.com/cc-free-pdf-converter

OT, but what does it take to compile software on Windows? Seems like you could bypass the Windows crapware by using open source code, and compiling the program yourself. It's easy on GNU/Linux, but I never considered it on Windows.

 

[taq8ojh]

That's weird, I just downloaded and installed the Creator, and there was not a single line saying anything about any toolbar or any other form of shitware at all.
Checking IE and installed programs didn't show anything "extra" either.
I am confused.

 

[lxskllr]

That's weird, I just downloaded and installed the Creator, and there was not a single line saying anything about any toolbar or any other form of shitware at all.
Checking IE and installed programs didn't show anything "extra" either.
I am confused.

Dunno. I guess you're good if you don't have any surprise toolbars or anything. Keep the installer so you have a clean copy you can use in the future.

 

[TSDible]

Interesting... It has been so long since I installed it...

I don't have the problem with Linux... the ability is simply there...

 

[lxskllr]

OT, but what does it take to compile software on Windows? Seems like you could bypass the Windows crapware by using open source code, and compiling the program yourself. It's easy on GNU/Linux, but I never considered it on Windows.

To answer my question, it looks about the same as GNU/Linux, but the recommendation from this guide is to install a Unix environment to do it. I might have to boot to Windows, and give this a try. One danger is the source code already has the craware inserted, and you'll install it without getting a checkbox to opt out. I think a lot of crapware packages are inserted as a final wrapper when creating a .exe, so maybe compiling would bypass it. You're also at the mercy of devs following the GPL, and releasing the code. If they're lazy or dishonest, it may be a PITA to come by.

http://www.webmonkey.com/2010/02/compile_software_from_source_code/

 

[taq8ojh]

I haven't used it, but I saw CC PDF Creator on Wikipedia. One thing I'm not clear on is if you can opt out of the CC license. I presume so, but haven't read through everything.

http://www.cogniview.com/cc-free-pdf-converter

Ha! This looks like and does exactly what I want! I have no idea what CC licence is, but I don't really give a damn since the software is freeware.

 

[lxskllr]

Ha! This looks like and does exactly what I want! I have no idea what CC licence is, but I don't really give a damn since the software is freeware.

CC is a copyright license that specifies the rights given to users. It tends to be used when you want to grant greater rights than is generally given to creative works.


Attribution (CC BY)
Attribution Share Alike (CC BY-SA)
Attribution No Derivatives (CC BY-ND)
Attribution Non-Commercial (CC BY-NC)
Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike (CC BY-NC-SA)
Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND)

Additionally there's CC0 which acts like public domain, but is used for locations that don't allow waiving of all rights.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Commons

My concern was it would create a watermark whether you wanted one or not.

Also, to be pedantic, it's free software, not freeware. Freeware may or may not be free software. That term is generally used for proprietary software that's given at zero cost(gratis), but isn't free(libre(my preferred term)).

A program is free software if the program's users have the four essential freedoms:

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).

The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).

The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others (freedom 3). By doing this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from your changes. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

Anyway, definitions aside, I'm glad it works for you. Report back if you have any problems. Your question pops up every so often, and it may be a good choice for others as long as there aren't any 'gotchas'.

 

[Gillbot]

Bullzip PDF

 

[Engineer]

I've used PDF Redirect 2 for years. Installs like a printer driver. Hit print from your app, select PDF Redirect as the printer and it will pop up showing what you just printed. You can then name (if you wish or leave default name). Hit <SAVE> and you're done.

 

[ytgamers]

I use doPDF, it can convert word, excel into PDF easily.

 

[Towermax]

Bullzip PDF

This. I've been using it for over a year, and it has worked perfectly every time. (Caveat--I don't do anything sophisticated with PDFs.)