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Question
Monday, November 25, 2019 5:31 PM
I'm somewhat new to Windows 10 but I noticed something called "Microsoft Print to PDF" that shows up as one of the available selections when choosing which printer output should be directed to. I've tried it a few times thinking that it might be a substitute for other printer drivers used to create PDF format files rather than actually printing. I believe Adobe Acrobat (i.e., the fee version as opposed to Adobe Reader which is free) includes such capability.
However, I have yet to create a useful file with it. Sometimes it simply fails with an error that doesn't say why. Other times it creates a file with a PDF extension but that file cannot be opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Am I failing to grasp the purpose or is this simply a useless feature of Windows 10 that ought to be removed?
All replies (5)
Monday, November 25, 2019 6:58 PM
Hi SnookRed.
The Microsoft Print to PDF is just a simple yet effective way to quickly create PDF files by means of a virtual printer.
I too use Adobe Acrobat and I always prefer to use it: its functions and features cannot be replaced by that virtual printer, as you've correctly presumed.
You can disable or remove it if you don't need it: read here and here to know how to do that.
Bye.
Luigi Bruno
MCP, MOS, MTA, MCTS, MCSA, MCSE
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 3:31 AM
It is simple enough to invoke but zero successes for however many attempts is NOT what I'd call effective. If it is capable of ever producing a valid PDF format file the simplicity will go away because you certainly cannot depend on it which means every time you might use it you'd have to verify that the resulting file could be opened by some PDF viewer.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 6:18 PM
New news! I was finally successful at getting "Microsoft Print to PDF" to produce a valid PDF file. However, wouldn't you know it was NOT a valid reproduction of the applicable output. This suggests that when it comes to integrity checking, if you are serious about it, you had better plan on reading every word to verify correctness. Would anybody would want to use something that presents such risks?
Saturday, November 30, 2019 3:40 PM
Correction: It was previously reported that "Microsoft Print to PDF" was found to produce a valid but incorrect .pdf format file. This was a bit hasty. That involved wanting to capture a printout from a government website. However, further effort concluded that a correct printout could NOT be obtained on any other device. In that, "Microsoft Print to PDF" produced the same result as other printers.
Another observation that could be relevant. It appears as though all of the failed experiences involved trying to use "Microsoft Print to PDF" to print from a .pdf file being displayed by at least 2 different viewers (Adobe Acrobat Reader & Foxit). Is it possible that there is something different about printing a from a pdf viewer that would account for this finding?
Saturday, November 30, 2019 4:45 PM | 1 vote
Hi SnookRed,
I researched on Adobe's web site and found that you are absolutely right!
Adobe Reader (FREE) is not compatible with Print to PDF. The programs that allow you to use it are Acrobat Pro and Acrobat Standard--both paid. Print to PDF was never a feature available with Adobe Reader (Free)
Another that works is Adobe Framemaker--paid
For free help with technical issues, feel free to email [email protected] or whatsapp +919167395750 or leave a Land Line or Cellular/Skype number in the email and I will msg/call you.
I am a Tier 2 Technician with HP (Hewlett-Packard)
Regards,
Dinesh Thakar