pdfFactory is a Windows PDF creation and printing application that lets users generate PDF files directly from almost any Windows program. It works as a virtual printer, allowing documents to be converted to PDF without requiring Adobe Acrobat.
The software also provides a preview window for reviewing documents, combining multiple files, rearranging pages, rotating pages, and applying PDF security settings before saving the final file.
What's New
Recent versions of pdfFactory focus on compatibility improvements, PDF creation reliability, security, and support for newer versions of Windows.
Specific features and improvements may vary depending on the installed version.
Key Features
Create PDFs: Generate PDF files from applications that support printing.
Combine Documents: Merge documents from different applications into a single PDF file.
Preview Before Saving: Review the generated PDF before creating the final file.
Page Management: Rearrange, rotate, insert, or delete pages.
PDF Security: Encrypt PDF files and control access to protected documents.
Font Embedding: Embed fonts in generated PDFs to help preserve the original document appearance.
Email PDFs: Send generated PDF files through supported email workflows.
Drag and Drop: Add documents to the PDF creation workflow using drag-and-drop operations.
Virtual PDF Printer: Create PDFs through the standard Windows Print command without needing Adobe Acrobat.
User Interface
pdfFactory uses a straightforward interface centered around its PDF preview and document management workspace.
The preview window lets users review pages, rearrange documents, remove unwanted pages, rotate pages, and configure PDF output before saving the file.
The interface is functional and easy to understand, although it may look less modern than some newer PDF applications.
Installation and Setup
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Download and install pdfFactory on your Windows PC.
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Complete the installation and registration process if required.
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Open the document or application you want to convert to PDF.
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Select pdfFactory as the printer from the Windows Print menu.
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Print the document to open the pdfFactory preview window.
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Review the document and adjust the available PDF settings.
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Save the finished PDF to your preferred location.
How to Use
Create a PDF: Open a document, select pdfFactory from the Print menu, and click Print.
Combine Files: Print multiple documents and arrange their pages in the pdfFactory preview window before saving them as one PDF.
Rearrange Pages: Use the thumbnail view to move pages into the desired order.
Remove Pages: Select unwanted pages and delete them before creating the final PDF.
Rotate Pages: Rotate individual pages when their orientation is incorrect.
Protect a PDF: Configure encryption and access restrictions before saving the document.
Send a PDF: Use the available email options to send the completed PDF directly from the application.
FAQ
What is pdfFactory?
pdfFactory is a Windows virtual PDF printer that creates PDF files from printable documents and applications.
Does pdfFactory require Adobe Acrobat?
No. pdfFactory can create PDF files without requiring Adobe Acrobat.
Can pdfFactory combine multiple documents?
Yes. It can combine documents from different sources into a single PDF.
Can I rearrange PDF pages?
Yes. Pages can be rearranged using the preview and thumbnail interface.
Does pdfFactory support PDF encryption?
Yes. It provides encryption and access-control options for PDF files.
Does pdfFactory work on Mac?
No. pdfFactory is designed for Windows.
Does the demo version add a watermark?
The demo version may apply limitations such as watermarks to generated PDF files.
Alternatives
Adobe Acrobat Pro – A comprehensive PDF application with advanced editing, conversion, OCR, signing, and security features.
PDFelement – A PDF editor offering document editing, conversion, annotation, forms, and security tools.
Foxit PDF Editor – A feature-rich PDF solution for editing, creating, converting, and managing PDF documents.
Smallpdf – A PDF toolkit focused on common editing, conversion, compression, and document-management tasks.
Soda PDF – A PDF application with editing, conversion, annotation, and document management features.
Pricing
pdfFactory is commercial software with a trial or demo version available for evaluation. The full version requires a license.
Pricing and licensing options may vary depending on the edition and current offering.
System Requirements
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Operating System: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11
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Architecture: 32-bit and 64-bit systems, depending on version
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Processor: 1 GHz or faster
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Memory: 512 MB RAM or more
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Storage: At least 10 MB of available disk space
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Internet connection: Required for registration, activation, or updates
Actual requirements may vary by version.
Pros
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Simple PDF creation workflow
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Works as a Windows virtual printer
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Fast PDF generation
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Built-in document preview
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Supports combining and rearranging pages
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PDF encryption and access controls
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Does not require Adobe Acrobat
Cons
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Primarily designed for PDF creation and printing rather than advanced editing
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Windows-only
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Demo version has limitations
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Interface is less modern than some competing PDF applications
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Fewer advanced PDF features than full PDF editors
Conclusion
pdfFactory is a practical Windows PDF printer for users who mainly need to create PDF files from existing documents and applications. Its preview, page-management, document-combining, and security features make it more capable than a basic virtual PDF printer.
It is particularly suitable for users who want a lightweight alternative to larger PDF suites. However, users who need advanced PDF editing, OCR, forms, or comprehensive document management may be better served by a full-featured PDF editor.
