Portable Document Format (PDF) file is one of the most preferred format for document exchange. As PDF readers are available for most of the operating systems, it becomes a breeze when sharing documents in PDF. The creator Adobe Systems has a free version for PDF reader, but charges for the software (Acrobat Pro) to create PDF files.

While there are many open-source libraries allowing you to code your own PDF reader, there are very few libraries for PDF generation. Some of the best ways to generate PDF files or convert other document formats to PDF are discussed below:

Online Services

PDFOnline is one of the popular free web services for PDF creation and extraction. They offer pretty good API for all major programming languages.

Zamzar is another popular service that not only handles PDF but other document, image, audio and video formats. Just upload your file and your input format is auto-selected. Select the output format and specify your email address. Zamzar converts your file and sends you the download link for the converted file to your email address.

NitroPDF, one of the commercial PDF software creators have free versions for major conversion types.

• Major formats to PDF : PrimoPDF
• PDF to Office Formats : PDF-to-Word PDF-to-Excel
• Firefox Extension : PDF Download (for viewing/downloading PDF links in webpages)
• PDF Editor : PDF Hammer

PDF Printers

PDF printers are printer drivers which install virtual printers allowing printing any document to PDF. When installed a new printer is visible in Printer and Faxes folder. Here are some best of the best PDF printers:

doPDF is a lightweight and free PDF printer for personal and commercial use. It barely uses  any computer resources and has multi-language support (over 20 languages). A commercial version Nova PDF has more features like securing your PDF with a open or edit password, watermarks and digital signatures.

BullZip has a more advanced freeware: the bullzip PDF printer . It is free for personal use and supports many advanced features like PDF encryption, watermarks, password protection, background image, appending or prepending exisiting documents and a powerful command line interface.

Pdf995, a part of the pdf995 suite of products is one of the oldest and powerful PDF generation tools. It allows vast parameter setting for controlling the PDF output. Pdf995 has good stationery and font embedding options that makes it stand unique.

—

Have a better tool to add to the list? Feel free to comment. If your suggestion is approved by other visitors, the link to the tool and your blog will be added in the post.