Searching for the Best Free Document-to-PDF Converter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for free document-to-PDF converters, with participants sharing their experiences and preferences across different operating systems, particularly Windows and Linux. The conversation includes both software applications and command-line tools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recommend DoPDF as a free option for Windows, noting its effectiveness.
  • PDF995 is mentioned as a preferred choice by one user, highlighting its lack of watermarks and compatibility with various paper sizes.
  • Ghostscript is suggested as a reliable tool for Linux users, with specific commands provided for converting documents.
  • OpenOffice.org is noted for its ability to save documents as PDFs, with LaTeX also mentioned for generating PDFs from DVI files.
  • CutePDF is recommended for its straightforward printing process that converts documents to PDF format.
  • PrimoPDF is mentioned positively by one participant as a satisfactory option.
  • TeXnicCenter in conjunction with MikTeX is highlighted as a satisfactory setup for PDF conversion.
  • Adobe's PDF creation tools are referenced, along with other options like PDF Pad and PDF Creator, indicating a variety of choices available.
  • CUPS-PDF is suggested as a system-wide tool for Linux users.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of preferences and experiences with different tools, indicating that there is no single consensus on the best converter. Multiple competing views and tools remain under discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some tools are specific to certain operating systems, and the effectiveness of each tool may depend on user needs and document types. There are also mentions of both free and paid options, which may influence user choice.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking free software solutions for converting documents to PDF, particularly those using Windows or Linux operating systems.

wxrocks
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Anyone have a favorite program for converting documents to PDFs -- esp. the free ones! :-) I would like to try a couple and I want to narrow my search here first with the experts!

Thanks!
 
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I used to just use ghostscript then paid for pdf996 (only about $10) now I use the free http://www.dopdf.com/ works very well so far.

This is on windows I assume, on linux it's easy to use ghostscript.
 
I really like PDF995. It's free or you can register it. I have never done that. The only thing I deal with is a little pop up after every time you print with it. I have been very happy with it. It doesn't add any watermarks like some converters do and it has worked on a large array of paper sizes I use like engineering drawings.
 
On linux:

ps2pdf

Specifically,

latex foo.tex
dvips -Ppdf -G0 foo.dvi
ps2pdf -sPAPERSIZE=a4 foo.ps

Are my staple commands :biggrin:

On windows, I usually sign up for the Adobe free trial thing when it's necessary :-p
 
I think OO Word Processor let's you convert to pdf.
 
OpenOffice.org has a suite of (free) programs that can save to PDF.

LaTeX makes dvi files by default, but pdflatex (and pdftex) make pdfs. On Windows, MikTeX works well.
 
try CutePDF... if you google it, it should come up.


The process after downloading involves just printing, and then when the print dialogue box opens, you select the CutePDF "printer", then you hit "Print" and it sends that file as a pdf to the directory that you selected.


Hope this helps.

pud
 
I've been satisfied with PrimoPDF.
 
I use TeXnicCenter alond with MikTeX, and I'm more than satisfied.
 
  • #11
As a general "systemwide"- tool in Linux -> cups-pdf.
 

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