How do I create PDF files without Adobe Acrobat?

The simple answer is you can use one of the freely available (even freeware ) alternatives listed below. The basic technique involves exporting from your word processor in PostScript format (using a PostScript printer driver) and then use some software to convert this into PDF (for free).

Some useful solutions include:

GhostScript - this is the leading solution (and is often the basis for other free PDF creation tools).

MakePDF - go to the free software option on their front page.

Free PDF

pdf995 - an ad-supported suite of PDF creation software

ps2pdf - online PDF creation.

Openoffice - a complete office package can write to PDF too.
---

Adobe Illustrator (versions 8-10) can also save a file as a PDF. Use File > Save as and choose the PDF option

---

If you are using Mac OS X your PDF creation is already intergrated into your operating system and you can just save files straight to PDF. (Actually, you invoke the "print" command and select "Save As PDF..." at the bottom of the print dialog box. edited by Steve)

------------------------------
Relevant FAQs:

How do I dynamically create PDF files with PHP?

------------------------------
Relevant links:

Creating Acrobat PDF files without Acrobat and for free - a good list of available resources.

Make Your Own PDF Files

Creating PDF Files Using Only Available Free Software - the example covers using MS Word but can be used with other word processing applications.

Creating PDF files, the Vishesh way - explains how to do this with MS Word.

Creating PDFs in Windows — Without Acrobat

DMOZ directory

------------------------------
Relevant threads:

creating pdfs? thread has been lost, link not working.

------------------------------
Press:

The Guardian (24th Oct 2002)

_______________________
Emperor

(Added by: Emperor on Mon 07-Oct-2002)

(Edited by: Emperor on Tue 29-Oct-2002)

(Edited by: tikigod on Tue 29-Oct-2002)

(Edited by: tikigod on Tue 29-Oct-2002)

(Edited by: Rinswind 2th on Thu 08-Apr-2004)
(Edited by Emperor on 04-23-2004 02:15)
(Edited by Steve on 04-23-2004 03:57)
(Edited by velvetrose on 10-01-2004 01:40)
(Edited by kuckus on 10-01-2004 09:35)