PDFCreator is a PDF conversion tool from pdfforge, a German software company. It installs as a virtual printer on Windows, so choosing "Print" and selecting PDFCreator from any application turns that document into a PDF file. The free edition covers everyday conversion, merging and password protection, while paid Plus and Business editions add automation profiles and centralized management for organizations.
Why PDFCreator's Virtual Printer Approach Works Everywhere
Because PDFCreator installs itself as a standard Windows printer driver, it can turn output from practically any application into a PDF, not just office documents. This makes it useful for converting things like browser pages, legacy software reports, or line-of-business apps that have no native "export to PDF" option, and its Auto-Save profiles let repeated conversions save automatically to a set folder without any manual steps.
PDFCreator Features
- Virtual PDF Printer — appears as a normal printer in any application, converting whatever is printed into a PDF
- Merge Multiple Documents — combine several print jobs or files into a single PDF
- Password Protection and Encryption — secure output PDFs with a password and permission restrictions
- Watermarks and Stamps — add text or image watermarks to generated PDF files
- Auto-Save Profiles — automatically save converted PDFs to a chosen folder or naming pattern without manual steps
- PDF/A Conversion — create PDF/A files suited for long-term archiving
- Email Attachment — send a newly created PDF as an email attachment directly from the conversion step
- COM/Scripting Interface — automate PDF creation from scripts in paid editions
How to Install PDFCreator on Windows
- Open the official download page using the button on this page, which goes to pdfforge.org.
- Download the free PDFCreator installer for Windows.
- Run the installer and watch each setup screen closely, declining any optional bundled offers you don't want.
- Confirm the PDFCreator printer is installed by checking your list of printers in Windows Settings.
- Print any document to "PDFCreator" from an application to test the conversion and choose a save profile.
Is PDFCreator really free?
Freemium. PDFCreator has a free edition covering core PDF creation, merging and security, with paid Plus and Business editions adding automation and central deployment.
How to download PDFCreator safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for www.pdfforge.org — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering PDFCreator. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to PDFCreator
Other free pdf tools software worth comparing before you decide:
PDF24 Creator
Free PDF printer and toolbox with merge, split, compress and OCR tools.
Foxit PDF Reader
Fast PDF viewer with annotation and light editing tools.
Frequently asked questions
Is PDFCreator free?
A free edition is available; paid Plus and Business editions add automation profiles and business features.
Does PDFCreator install a virtual printer?
Yes, PDFCreator adds itself as a printer that converts any print job into a PDF.
Can PDFCreator convert to PDF/A?
Yes, PDF/A archival format conversion is supported.
Can I automate PDFCreator with profiles?
Yes, Auto-Save profiles and a COM interface allow automated, hands-off PDF creation.
Who makes PDFCreator?
pdfforge, a German software company.
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