CNET Editors' review
Simple and streamlined, this is a useful application--if you don't mind being pestered with pop-ups. PDF995 uses the open-source GNU Ghostscript utility to convert any document file into PDF format. During testing, we were impressed with the program's conversion speed and the quality of the converted documents. The program works seamlessly, installing a "virtual" printer for converting documents. When you want to convert, you simply choose "Print" in any application (Microsoft Word, for example) and the application converts the document. PDF995 does not allow you to configure settings to your preference, however, such as security or compression options.
Another frustrating "feature" is the two-part download that requires separate installations of the printer driver and free converter. The slew of advertisements and pop-ups also get pesky during use. As freeware, PDF995 isn't a bad choice for those who need a standard tool for PDF conversion and don't mind a bit of advertising bother.
Publisher's Description
From pdf995:
Create PDF files from any application by simply selecting the print command. It is easy to customize your PDF995 output: preview documents, combine files, change page orientation, add "Confidential" stamps, create PDF stationery, adjust image resolution, summarize documents, convert PDFs to several image file formats, create batch print jobs from Microsoft Office applications, and choose from several file-naming methods. With PDF995, you can easily encrypt or digitally sign your PDF documents. PDF995 uses Microsoft Cryptographic technologies to give you 128-bit DES encryption, offering a high level of protection for all your Internet communications, including legal documents and financial transactions. Signature995 employs Microsoft digital certificate technologies to create and validate digital signatures.
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All versions:
3.6 starsout of 63 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Really useful prog."
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 11.0
Pros
By creating a .pdf file and then loading and printing this via Adobe Reader, you get much flexibility re printing - eg printing 2 pages side-by-side on the one sheet and then optionally double-sided gives 4 pages to one A4 sheet; plus other Pro's.
Cons
A bit hard to understand at first, but not very. Not sure now why u need the main Driver plus a separate Converter prog. However not a lot of trouble to install & run.
Summary
See Pro's & Con's above. {I won't review the Converter separately - the above covers both together.}
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"Works well with the PDF 995 software"
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 10.2
Pros
It is fast and simple
Cons
Have no cons from me
Summary
I like how the system works and it is simple to use
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"no problems"
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 10.1
Pros
works for me
Cons
ad keeps reappearing but is easily dismissed
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"Great Way To "Print to PDF""
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 10.0
Pros
If you can print it, this software will let you create a PDF of it. Have even used it to "PDF print" a fillable-form PDF file that does not allow saving. Extremely useful for "PDF archiving." Purchased $20 license in NOV 2008 and use it every day.
Cons
The very latest version of Adobe's non-saveable, fillable-form PDF file would not let me "PDF print" it. Latest software update may have taken care of that problem. Pro: software loads on to your computer just like another printer.
Summary
I find this software extraordinarily useful to capture windows showing things like bill payment confirmation numbers or online investment transactions or bank account transaction lists. The list is endless. I did not look at what the current cost of the software is but the $20 it cost me in late 2008 was ridiculously low. I made a point to use the software to "PDF print" the pdfSuite995 key email that software995 sent me after the purchase.
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"Did not work"
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 9.5
Pros
It did not work so I don't see anything good yet.
Cons
Kept having install things and still didn't work :(
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"Easy to download, install and use, good free ware."
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 9.5
Pros
Again easy to download, install and use. Installed for a client who wanted something inexpensive or free to use for converting reports into pdf files. Works very well and is easy for them to use. The ads are awkward buy hey, it is free!
Cons
The ads at the end of the process each time.
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"Who cares about pop ups when it WORKS!"
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 9.5
Pros
I was having serious problems getting a pdf to print properly on my computer. This program did the job quickly and with very high quality. I am thrilled!
Cons
Yes, there were two pop ups, and had to do two downloads. But neither took too much time, and the price is right!
Summary
Ultimately, who cares about two pop ups when you are getting a really high quality product for free? I give this two thumbs up!
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"The best free PDF software. Simple yet brilliant."
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 9.5
Pros
Simple, powerful, easy to use, free
Cons
This software is free but more editing capability is always welcomed.
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"Amazing. Good for Small business. Very usefull"
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 9.2
Pros
users friendly
Cons
Maby the adds in the free version
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"BEWARE! No way to uninstall!"
Version: PDF995 Printer Driver 8.4
Pros
It shows up in the printer list. That's about it.
Cons
It won't see my Desktop or other folders; saves to a location I can't locate even using Search functions in WinXP. THERE IS NO WAY TO UNINSTALL IT. Setup.exe just launches the website, which doesn't include uninstall information.
Summary
No entry in Add/Remove Programs
I have since found PDF Creator on Sourceforge.
No Uninstall in the Start Menu group.
Setup.exe simply launches their website, which does not have ANY uninstall information.
Why would any utility software not include a way to remove it? I suspect it is doing something very bad. Why would their FAQ need to have a special entry near the top of the list that insists that PDF995 is not spyware? Because they do suspicious things?
I am VERY upset, and now will be looking for a registry cleaner that will pry this thing out of my system.
Maybe if i bought a key for $10 it would let me uninstall; I don't know, and I won't send them a penny. It advertises as "Free"... but apparently the crippled functions available for free don't include a method to remove it.
Stay away... far, far away.
Updated on Sep 2, 2010
It actually works, completely and well, and is genuinely Free.
It even comes with an Uninstall method. ;)
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