CNET Editors' review
PrimoPDF converts just about any file type to a PDF, using the print command from the source program the file was created in. In the latest version, the program comes with desktop icon that you can drag and drop files onto for quick conversion, as well as performance improvements and minor changes throughout the program.
Users can now always save PDFs to the same folder, or opt to choose a new folder for each PDF creation. You can also Append or Overwrite an already existing PDF, and more easily create and edit document properties and PDF security from the main PrimoPDF interface. Publisher NitroPDF also claims that the program starts faster, and we did notice that it launched quicker than before--note that this was an empirical judgment, though. Primo's size has been reduced slightly to 7.38MB, and the new drag-and-drop icon also serves as a program launch icon, making it easier to manage the app. The four conversion quality settings have been exposed upfront, too, so you can easily toggle quality settings from Screen to eBook to Print to Prepress. There's a Custom setting, as well.
The conversion process from whatever document is on your screen to PDF is quick and efficient. Other features include a password-protection feature that can be used for restricting reading, editing, or printing the PDF. However, trying to create a PDF while the interface was already open resulted in neither a new PDF nor a warning that there had been a failure. The interface also sports an ad for other PDF-related software made by Nitro that takes up half the interface. Those hitches aside, PrimoPDF is an effective tool for quick and casual PDF creation.
Watch the CNET video review of PrimoPDF:
Publisher's Description
From Nitro PDF Software:
The world's #1 free PDF creator. PrimoPDF a free tool for high-quality conversion to PDF, comprising a user-friendly interface that enables printing to PDF from virtually any Windows application. Additionally, PrimoPDF provides the ability to optimize PDF output for screen, print, ebook, and prepress, secure PDF files with 128-bit encryption, and add document information (e.g. title, author, subject, keywords) to converted PDF files. Full support for 64-bit machines, double byte character and non-TrueType font support, and improved PDF output also available.
What's new in this version: Version 5.1.0.2 includes support for additional languages: French, German, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 1,659 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 164 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Free and Simple"
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
Simple Interface.
Cons
Takes over file extension app associations without an opt out with the reader that it installs.
Summary
Before you download PrimoPDF make sure you get your free Pc backup at ****************.com just in case u get some viruses!! Better to be safe then sorry!!
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"Seems perfectly okay"
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
Nice interface. Easier to use than PDF Creator and doesn't keep launching Windows Installer like PDF Creator does.
Cons
Nothing, really.
Summary
Does what it says on the tin.
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"Upon install 1/2 screen is taken up by Google."
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
No more than any other PDF converter.
Cons
Google staring me in the face. I just want to convert a file.
Summary
I'll try another converter that is really FREEWARE with no hitches.
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"Free and Simple"
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
Free
Simple Interface both via the "Print to PDF" and Nitro Reader
No bugs experiencedCons
Takes over file extension app associations without an opt out with the reader that it installs
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"User friendly and convenient tool."
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
Synchronized with internet and facilitate printing of documents without distortions.
Cons
None noticed till now.
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"Very useful"
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
Easy to install
Easy to use
Veratile
Friendly
StableCons
Not identified yet
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"Disappointing"
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
Free
Easy to useCons
Needs improvements at converting images to PDF. I threw a PNG into it and it came out 100% unlegible.
Summary
Like all things free, there are always limitations/bugs to free tools.
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"Works well but hyperlinks don't convert"
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
Works fine for everything we've used it for, except for the one issue below.
Cons
Hyperlinks in an Excel spreadsheet aren't live (clickable) in the PDF.
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"Like all other free PDF - its junk"
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
Its free wow!!
Cons
Not useful if you really use pdf in a serious way. All free pdfs coverters dont save the text when files are printed from the interent.
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"absolutely unacceptable install of other junk"
Version: PrimoPDF 5.1.0.2
Pros
The part that creates a PDF as a printer driver seems to work fine but there are other options that do not come with unwanted baggage.
Cons
It installs its own PDF reader and takes over the PDF file associations. It uninstalled ok, but I had to redo my file associations after it nagged me that it could not find the default PDF viewer. There is no option to skip or prevent this step. I don't care how useful this software is; it is NOT OK to mess with my system without permission, to do something unrelated to the advertised functionality.
Summary
I downloaded from CNET because I thought I could trust software on their site, especially software with a positive editorial review. Apparently that trust was misplaced. It is unacceptable for a software installer to install additional software and take over file associations, with no way to opt out.
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