Do you have a printable document that you need to convert to PDF? Don’t want to go through a complicated process? A free utility known as CutePDF Writer can help. PDF (Portable Document Format) is a standard for distributing electronic files. The problem is that there aren’t many programs that actually let you create these documents for free. CutePDF allows you to convert any printable document to a PDF document format.
Version Reviewed: 2.8
After completing the installation, it will open up the Readme file. If you try to look for an application to open, you can search for days, you’ll never find it. I spent a few minutes looking for it until I decided to read the ReadMe file which said that there is no application to run. CutePDF Writer acts like a virtual printer. To convert any document (including web pages) into a PDF, just Print it. When you select the Printer, choose CutePDF Writer.
CutePDF installs as a "printer subsystem"
Press Okay and choose the location to save. Hmm? Were you expecting some more steps? Well then, I’m sorry to disappoint you, because that’s it. So how well does it actually do this?
I printed our home page through CutePDF. The result came out just as the printer would print it, with many errors all over. This however is not CutePDF’s fault.
The CutePDF converted version of TechAirlines Home Page
I copied and pasted my recent Opera 10 post and saved it as .doc. Then printed it using CutePDF and the result was an identical copy of the original document. However, the original size was 56 KB. The PDF became 185 KB.
Then, for fun, I printed out the PDF of Tech Airlines Home I just created. The first PDF was 796 KB. The second PDF printed from the first was 815 KB. In addition, opening the second PDF causes Foxit Reader to encounter an error forcing it to close.
I printed out another existing PDF which was 242 KB. The second PDF is 810 KB, which is more than 3 times larger than the original, yet the document is exactly the same. This time, Foxit Reader did not experience any problems.
CutePDF Writer is a very simple and easy to use utility that does the job however it does come with its inaccuracies, especially how the file sizes of the PDF are often larger than the original.
CutePDF 2.8 Rating:
Performance: 3
Features: 2
Ease of Use: 4.9
Value for Money: 5
Appearance: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.47
Learn how we rate the software.
CutePDF Writer is a great utility for those who want something simple and basic to create a PDF from a document, but for those who require more, consider other alternatives.
Want to give it a try? Learn more about CutePDF Writer here.
Supports Windows 98 and above on both x86 and x64.
