Below are several options for creating PDF files. These programs all install as printer drivers. From any application, you simply select "Print" and print to the "PDF Printer" that will generate the PDF file for you.
There are three crucial settings:
- Use the "Print" or "Press" settings for the maximum printing quality.
- Make sure all fonts are embedded
- Make sure you use the "RGB" colorspace
Price: $19"This is a PDF printer driver that can be used to create high-quality and searchable PDF files from any Windows application. You can also convert EPS and PostScript documents to PDF using the drag and drop feature, combine documents into a single PDF file, select the output resolution and compression, send via email, convert MS Word/PowerPoint headings, hyperlinks and forms into PDF bookmarks, links and forms."
Price: $49"A printer driver that allows you to convert your Windows documents not only to a universally accepted PDF but also to various image formats. docuPrinter Pro answers the need for a low-cost, yet easy to implement and use PDF/Image file creation solution. It has all the features the LT version has plus: EPS, PostScript, TEXT, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PCX PSD, BMP and PCL-XL output formats and 40/128 bit PDF encryption support"
Price: FREE"Pdf995 is a printer driver that works with any Postscript to PDF converter. The pdf995 printer driver and a free Converter are available for easy download." Distributed with a version of ghostscript that may cause printing problems.
Price: $299"Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Standard software is the simple way to create and share more secure and reliable Adobe PDF documents. Generate Adobe PDF files that accurately represent the original document, and take advantage of robust tools for sharing information and commenting on electronic files."
Price: FREE"PDFCreator is a free tool to create PDFs easily from nearly any application. With the PDFCreator Printer driver you turn any program into a PDF-machine"
Price: $69"Convert your documents to Adobe PDF format quickly and easily. AcroPDF installs as a virtual printer and is accessible from any program that offers a Print option. It allows you to create PDF files from any printable document (.doc, .xls, .ppt, .vsd, images, text, web pages etc.)"
CutePDF (Freeware)
Does not support custom page size in Windows 98 or ME. Comes with a version of ghostscript that sometimes gives PDF printing problems. Uninstalling can cause deletion of files that Cute did not install. We don't recommend this application.
What is a Mac user to do?
Macintosh computers have a reputation for being easy to use. Built-in to the software system of newer Macs is a method for PDF creation. In addition, the popular Mac software package "Pages" can export files as PDFs.
