PDF generation

[john67]

I am hoping someone can help me find some software to generate a PDF.

The software product my company makes uses a PDF Print Driver to convert documents to PDF, but that only works when a user is logged in.

Does anyone know of some software that can generate a PDF while being run from or as a Windows service?

Thanks.

[LinuxRandal]

Open office writer allows you to save as a pdf.

EDIT: It is VERY odd, that the FIRST post you make to a WOODWORKING forum is a computer question! Spammer maybe, or longtime lurker?

[Tom Slick]

Hmmm... Is another first time poster going to have an answer that just happens to be obscure software?

[vaking]

Many PDF converters operate as printer driver. It actually is logical - PDF is just an output format and so is printing. Windows service can be run on credentials of a user account, so you should be able to use your existing converter and still run it as service in the background. I would create a dedicated account for such task and restrict it to being able to just print to PDF, so you don't compromize system security.

[master53yoda]

I have been using CutePDFwriter, it was mentioned on this form a while back, I think by Crockett. I have had very good luck with it in changing anything if tried form stock market charts to autocad drawings. i have also been able to change the print size from letter or legal to 11x17. I would recommend it to anyone.

[JimDantin]

+1 on CutePDF -- free, solid performer, established history.

[crokett]

CutePDF writer is what I use.

[Uncle Cracker]

I've been using Nitro PDF Pro for about a year now. It's not free, but is very powerful, runs trouble-free from a variety of programs, and has done some really good work for me.

[catta12]

CutePDF writer is what I use.

Agreed. Easy and free, all you need.

[os1kne]

+1 on CutePDF

[pelligrini]

Do any of those let you manipulate existing pdf documents? Like: rotating pages, deleteing pages, inserting pages.

We use acrobat at the office. Late last night I was assembeling a large CD set and I was able to drag and drop sheets into the large set, delete screwed up sheets and reinsert corrected ones.

[phi1l]

Do any of those let you manipulate existing pdf documents? Like: rotating pages, deleteing pages, inserting pages.

We use acrobat at the office. Late last night I was assembeling a large CD set and I was able to drag and drop sheets into the large set, delete screwed up sheets and reinsert corrected ones.

I don't have it, but it looks like CutePDF Pro will do all that for $49.95

[os1kne]

I don't have it, but it looks like CutePDF Pro will do all that for $49.95

I believe that's correct. I got CutePDF a few years ago, and I recall spending about that much for those features. It's a lot less expensive than the Adobe full-version.

[Alex Franke]

Free, with security features (which a lot of other freebies don't have): http://www.primopdf.com/index.aspx

(I figure even if this does turn out to be a spam thread, there's still some good info in here!)

[john67]

Thanks for the replies about CutePDF and the others.

In response to LinuxRandal's comments about first post not being about woodworking - yes, I know. I just wish I had TIME for some woodworking (sigh). I am a longtime lurker. I think I use to be registered, but had to re-register yesterday.

However, due to this forum, and having a chance to visit Scottydont a few years ago, I ended up buying a BT3100.

I did actually do a project builiding some corner shelves last summer. Maybe I will get some pics posted.

Thanks again,

John