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Thread ID: 80389 2007-06-21 01:40:00 Free PDF Creation Software - opinions? Tony (4941) Press F1
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561223 2007-06-21 01:40:00 I'm looking for a free PDF creation package for a friend who can't afford/doesn't need the full Acrobat. I know there are a few out there, and I wondered if anyone had good/bad experiences. Open Office is certainly a contender, and so is Ghostscript, but I wondered about any others.

TIA
Tony (4941)
561224 2007-06-21 01:41:00 I use O.O. for it, and have found that to be reasonably effective (and free which is the best thing about it). Couldn't comment on any others though:o Good luck. wratterus (105)
561225 2007-06-21 01:50:00 I have been using Oo for a few PDFs lately and it does the trick ok. winmacguy (3367)
561226 2007-06-21 02:18:00 As I said, O.O. is a contender, but I would really like something that is stand-alone, i.e. will take a Postscript file and turn it into a PDF or provide a PDF virtual printer, as she is going to want to create PDFs from a different app - or do I misunderstand what OO can provide? Tony (4941)
561227 2007-06-21 02:22:00 another vote for OpenOffice

BTW: Google has a pdf reader and writer too!
SurferJoe46 (51)
561228 2007-06-21 02:28:00 As I said, O.O. is a contender, but I would really like something that is stand-alone, i.e. will take a Postscript file and turn it into a PDF or provide a PDF virtual printer, as she is going to want to create PDFs from a different app - or do I misunderstand what OO can provide?

If your wanting to distill a postcript file for print you need Adobe Distiller since you will also have set your page or file up to the necessary printer specs prior to distilling. Distiller comes with InDesign. I am not sure if there are other opensource apps out there that do the same thing.
Oo only works for files that were created within OpenOffice.
winmacguy (3367)
561229 2007-06-21 02:32:00 Try this
www.newfreedownloads.com
winmacguy (3367)
561230 2007-06-21 02:32:00 If your wanting to distill a postcript file for print you need Adobe Distiller since you will also have set your page or file up to the necessary printer specs prior to distilling. Distiller comes with InDesign. I am not sure if there are other opensource apps out there that do the same thing.
Oo only works for files that were created within OpenOffice.That was my point about the disadvantage of OO. I guess what I am saying is I either want a free Distiller-type app or another method. BTW AFAIK Distiller comes with Acrobat and also other Adobe Apps.
Tony (4941)
561231 2007-06-21 02:42:00 I use CutePDF Writer - have a look at www.cutepdf.com

It creates a "printer" that you can print to and convert any document into PDF. Simple and small. You need to install Ghost Script for it to work. It's free for personal and commercial use.
nakamal (12441)
561232 2007-06-21 02:44:00 That was my point about the disadvantage of OO. I guess what I am saying is I either want a free Distiller-type app or another method. BTW AFAIK Distiller comes with Acrobat and also other Adobe Apps.

Almost, it comes as a stand alone product or bundled with InDesign but it doesn't come with Acrobat as that is only a PDF reader. If you want a free Distiller type app try that link I posted above.
winmacguy (3367)
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