PrimoPDF

Pros

• PDF editor and converter
• PDF printer

Cons

• None

PrimoPDF is a powerful platform for creating, converting to and printing to PDF documents.

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. Adobe created the format to simplify and standardize the transferring of documents. You can convert any document into PDF so if a recipient is set up to accept PDFs, you can send any document in that container without concern. PrimoPDF is a tool for Windows that lets you create, edit, convert to and print to PDF. It’s also freeware, which means that you can use it to create and otherwise manipulate as many PDFs as you like without cost.

PrimoPDF lets you interact with it in many different ways. It has its own user interface, and you can create, convert and so forth from within the UI. Included in the UI is an editor that provides you all the tools needed to insert, extract, rotate and otherwise manipulate text and images. PrimoPDF also exposes itself as a virtual PDF, which means you’ll have access to it automatically from within any program that supports printing. For instance, choose File -> Print from within Notepad and that text will automatically be sent to a new PDF. That works with Word, Excel, web browser and so much more.

PrimoPDF also has a command line interface. This lets you use the application without the UI, which is particularly powerful for scripting batch jobs. Thanks to the power of Windows, the average user can take advantage of this feature via drag and drop. Drag any text document to the PrimoPDF shortcut on your desktop or anywhere and drop it. The program will automatically convert it to PDF.

This program gives you a lot of security options as well. You can secure PDF documents via 40-/128-bit encryption. You can password protect documents. Individual PDFs can be configured to disallow printing, commenting, copying, editing and more. You’re also able to send the PDFs you make via email. Finish a report, and then, convert it to PDF and send it out to a mailing list with just one click.

As mentioned, PrimoPDF is freeware. However, there’s also a paid version. It has trialware, but if you choose to continue using it, you’ll need to pay. The paid version provides integration with Word, supports collaboration and review, has form automation features and more.

Pros

• PDF editor and converter
• PDF printer

Cons

• None