Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

Need a recommendation for

Nov 15, 2011 7:53AM PST

free software to make pdf file. I have only Adobe Reader on computer. I was going to download the Adobe 30-day trial version as would rarely use the software. Appreciate suggestions.

Discussion is locked

michhala has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
There's also LibreOffice
Nov 15, 2011 9:49AM PST

There's also LibreOffice which has native PDF export functionality, and if you have a legit copy of MS Office 2003 (I think, maybe only 2007) or later, there's a PDF export add on you can download.

If you have easy access to a Mac, they've had this feature standard for the last 11 or so years.

I'd also strongly suggest looking at the free Foxit Reader (which also has a paid PDF creation add on). While the 5.x series has been a bit of a departure from what made the program great in the past, it's still miniscule in size compared to Adobe Reader, and far more secure on the whole.

- Collapse -
My thanks, Jimmy
Nov 15, 2011 5:28PM PST

I appreciate your reply. I have a legit copy of MS Office Home and Business 2010.....I do not have access to a Mac, however. Re Foxit Reader -- it has been suggested to me before as a replacement to Adobe Reader which came with my new computer and for the very reasons you mention.
Miki

- Collapse -
PDFCreator
Nov 15, 2011 6:01PM PST

Another option, PDFCreator.

- Collapse -
(NT) I Also Use PDFCreator Here...
Nov 16, 2011 2:48AM PST
- Collapse -
Thank you, Grif & Ken
Nov 16, 2011 5:42AM PST

PDFCreator sounds good,too....it received high marks from PC Magazine.

Miki

- Collapse -
Best Answer
Nov 16, 2011 6:32AM PST

I did not choose a best answer as I was unable to find the option....Cnet did the choosing.....miki

- Collapse -
Answer
Look at DoPDF and CUTEPDF and PDF995
Nov 15, 2011 9:18AM PST

I've used them all. Currently using DoPDF.
Bob

- Collapse -
(NT) Thank you so much, Bob
Nov 15, 2011 5:19PM PST
- Collapse -
Answer
yes....
Nov 16, 2011 5:39PM PST

yes you can download...i'm also having trial version.....

- Collapse -
(NT) Thank you, glistenboy...
Nov 16, 2011 5:51PM PST