There are many programs available that let you create PDF files or save text as a PDF file. We recommend PrimoPDF and CutePDF, which are free programs that enable you to create PDF files. After installing, you can convert any file to PDF. Open the file you want to convert to PDF, select the Print option, and instead of printing to your printer, select the CutePDF option as the printer. With the PrimoPDF program, when printing any file, a wizard is shown with additional options, including password protecting that PDF file.

  • PrimoPDF - Convert almost any file to an industry-standard PDF with a single click.

  • CutePDF - Create a professional-quality PDF from any printable document.

  • Example of a file created in Microsoft Word, and printed to a PDF using CutePDF.

There are many free PDF creators. Some popular programs are listed here.

Online PDF solutions

There are many online solutions for creating PDF files. However, not all are free to use or free of malware. Our top recommendation is listed below.

The Google Chrome browser has a feature to save any web page as a PDF if you change your printer to Save as PDF in the print window.

  • Zamzar - Great free online solution to convert Word documents (.doc), WordPerfect documents (.wps), OpenDocument text documents (.odt), text documents (.txt), and many more.

Other PDF software solutions

There are many PDF programs you can install on your computer to create PDF files. Below is a list of our top recommendations, in addition to CutePDF and PrimoPDF.

  • DoPDF - Free PDF creator for Windows offering basic features. Requires the .NET framework.
  • LibreOffice - A free, full-featured alternative to Microsoft Office. Convert Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint presentations to PDF using LibreOffice Writer, Calc, or Impress.
  • Virtual PDF Printer - Free software that can create PDFs from any application that supports printing. Its PDF options include password protection, custom scaling, and embedded fonts.
  • Go2PDF - Free companion software for Virtual PDF Printer that enables you to convert documents to PDFs with a single click.
  • How to save an online PDF file to a computer.
  • See the PDF definition for further information and related links.
  • PDF help and support.