Tool Time: Create PDF Files with PrimoPDF

I'm a fan of free utilities, so I found ActivePDF's PrimoPDF to be very cool. It lets you create PDF files from more than 300 types of files, including text files, graphic files (e.g., .bmp, .jpg, .tif), and Microsoft Office files (e.g., .doc, .ppt, .xls). It runs on Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

To get PrimoPDF, go to the PrimoPDF website and click the download link. No registration is required. It downloads the utility from CNET Download.com, so it has been checked for malicious programs.

To install PrimoPDF, launch the installer, accept the licensing agreement, and click Next when prompted. If you don't already have the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0, you'll need to install it from the Microsoft Download Center or let the PrimoPDF installer download it for you.

PrimoPDF installs as a printer on your computer, so when you want to create a PDF file, you just select PrimoPDF as your printer. In the dialog box that appears, you'll have a choice of five settings for the PDF file: Screen (optimized for onscreen viewing), Print (optimized for printing), eBook (optimized for the web), Prepress (optimized for high-quality printing), and Custom (you provide the settings). After you enter a filename and browse to the location where you want to save the file, click Save, then Create PDF.

PrimoPDF offers a few other features you can use when you're creating a PDF file, such as the ability to secure PDF files with passwords and add document information (e.g., title, keywords). You can also combine PDF files after they're generated.

I recommend PrimoPDF to anyone who wants a free solution for creating PDF files. It works as simple as a printer and has some nice features.