Our verdict: PDFCreator is a dependable way to turn anything printable into a PDF, with more automation than the built-in Microsoft Print to PDF. The free edition is open source, but its setup offers PDF Architect and shows a partner ad, so install it with care.
About PDFCreator
PDFCreator installs a virtual printer called PDFCreator. Anything you print to it, from a browser page to a Word document, becomes a PDF, PDF/A, PNG or JPG file. Profiles store settings such as the target folder, file name tokens and auto-save, and actions can add a cover page, merge several print jobs into one file or open the result when it is done.
pdfforge publishes the program under the GNU AGPL and offers PDFCreator Free for personal use. The free setup offers to install PDF Architect, a separate PDF viewer and editor with paid upgrades, and after installation it shows an advertisement from a partner that you can decline. Paid Professional, Terminal Server and Server editions remove the ads and add business features such as group policies, advanced encryption, user tokens, custom scripts and priority support.
What it does well
- Virtual printer. Print from any Windows program to create a PDF, PDF/A, PNG or JPG file.
- Merge print jobs. Collect several documents and combine them into one PDF.
- Profiles. Save output format, folder, file name pattern and auto-save settings per task.
- Actions. Add cover pages or attachments and open the file after it is created.
- PDF/A archiving. Create PDF/A files for long-term storage of documents.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who regularly turn documents, web pages or scans into PDFs from many different programs.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who wants to edit the text inside existing PDFs or a setup without offers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works from any program that can print
- Profiles and auto-save for repeat tasks
- Merges several print jobs into one PDF
- Open source under the AGPL
Cons
- Setup offers PDF Architect twice and shows a partner ad
- Cannot edit existing PDFs
- Encryption, user tokens and scripting are reserved for paid editions
How to install PDFCreator
The download button fetches the latest PDFCreator Free setup from pdfforge. On the first screen click the gear icon (advanced settings) and untick Install PDF Architect, then click Skip on the next screen that offers it again. After installation decline the partner advertisement. pdfforge also documents a winget install that does not include PDF Architect.
Questions about PDFCreator
Is PDFCreator free?
Yes. PDFCreator Free costs nothing and is open source under the GNU AGPL. Its installer offers PDF Architect and shows an optional partner ad; paid Professional editions are ad-free and add business features.
How do I avoid installing PDF Architect?
Open the advanced settings with the gear icon on the first setup screen, untick Install PDF Architect, and choose Skip when the next screen offers it again.
Can PDFCreator edit PDF files?
No. It only creates PDFs by printing. pdfforge sells PDF Architect for editing.
