PDF Freeware with special functionality

I need to convert a large number of files (.doc or docx) to pdf. The pdf converter we use necessitates that you open the file and then "Print to pdf" to convert the file. Does anyone know if there is a program (preferably freeware) that you can convert just from a file list (in my documents for example)? Please let me know. Thank you.

 

Which "converter" are you using? In Windows Explorer, you should be able to select several(Ctrl+Left-Click) of the files at one time. Then Right-Click and select "Print" from the context menu.

For this to work though, you may need to set the "converter" as the default printer for Windows.

PrimoPDF - MajorGeeks has a drag and drop feature where you can select multiple files in Windows Explorer, then drag and drop on the PrimoPDF desk-top icon.

If you decide to try PrimoPDF, be sure to read the EULA before completing the installation.

 

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I actually tried that (we use something called "doPDF") but it still then had to open each document and opening so many froze the computer. That's why I'm wondering if anything else might work like this (or is even possible

Thanks again.

Tammy

 

Which "OS" are you using, XP/Vista/7/8/8.1? Amount of ram and percentage of free HDD space? How many documents are you trying to convert at one time? Have you tried reducing that number by half and making the process a two step instead of one?

On my XP machines(2G or less ram and plenty of free HDD space) I use CutePDF Writer - MajorGeeks and have no problems printing multiple documents. Be sure to read the "Limitations:" section on the download page.

On Win7 I use PrimoPDF with no problems. In either case, I'm probably not trying to "convert" as many documents at one time as you are.

If you're using Win8/8.1, someone else will have to step in as I'm not familiar enough with it to offer further suggestions.

 

If you are using google chrome as your browser there is a app you can add in to your browser called free PDF Maker from the chrome store.

 

Platidust,

Thanks. So when you say "printing" multiple documents - are you actually printing them or just converting them to pdf? Do they open in their native software first or do they just convert in the folder where their located? I think I tried like 5 or 6 with the "doPDF" program but they are on a huge shared drive so I think that makes a difference as everything is slow.

Thanks.

 

Before I answer those, sexyandy81's suggestion is a pretty good one if the documents aren't confidential or too personal in nature. Might be a good solution for you.

"So when you say "printing" multiple documents - are you actually printing them or just converting them to pdf?"
Converting them to PDF, no actual printing involved.

"Do they open in their native software first or do they just convert in the folder where their located?"
No they don't open in the native application, they are just converted and then saved in the same folder as the original document. You can however, have it ask you for a folder and filename at the time of saving.

Five or six documents should not be a problem at all, unless the documents are very large.

CutePDF Writer doesn't open the document for display/review, PrimoPDF can be configured to open the converted files for review in the default PDF-viewer if so desired but it can also be configured to not open the files for review.

Check the settings/configuration for "doPDF" and see if there is a setting for post processing to "Do Nothing"(or something similar). From what you've described, it sounds like the files are being opened for review and that's when things bog down.

 

Hi,

We do work in a google environment but personally I don't like it but I will take a look at it too. Thank you both for your replies - I will definitely try them. If it works, it will shave hours off of a process which we must go thru.

Have a great weekend.

Ruth

 

I forgot to mention that CutePDF doesn't have a drag and drop feature like PrimoPDF. With CutePDF you may have to set it as the default printer for Windows before you try to use the right-click > "Print" method.

With PrimoPDF, you shouldn't need to set it as the default printer if you intend to use the drag and drop feature.

I don't know how many documents you're trying to convert at one time, It they aren't to large you should be able to convert at least 20-30 at a time.

With sexyandy81's suggestion maybe more, I've never tried it. Not a fan of Google Chrome. In your situation though it would be the first thing I try.

Let us know how it goes, and you have a good weekend too.

 

I am also not a fan of google chrome but I use Torch browser which is based of google chrome all the apps from google app store work and it's faster than chrome.

 

Another option could be http://www.freepdfconvert.com/. To do multiple files at one time, you need to sign up for membership. Membership is not free but, if paid on a monthly basis, the cost is $9/mo. So, if your conversion project is a one-time situation, you could pay for 1 month and then cancel the service.

I've used their free service, which has a limitation of 1 file at a time. Works quite well.

 

Hi,

Thanks for the info. This is actually to make a "work" project a little bit easier so that's why we have "doPDF" - it's free . Seems like there are a lot of options here though and I'm glad that it's is possible to do more than one at a time.

Have a great week.

 

Sexyandy81,

Tried to find this freePDF app from Chrome - found 4 others but not this one. Can you provide a link or more specific information how you found it? My doPDF can convert directly to pdf in the original file location but only 1 file at a time.

Thanks.

 

Here is the link to google app pdf maker. http://www.pdfmakerapp.com/

But don't know if it's what you are looking for.

 

Ok, thanks. I did find that one but couldn't figure out how to browse my computer for files to convert to pdf's? The interface that opens when you load this app looks like a text editor where you can then convert the new text to a pdf. What am I not finding?

 

The way I see it is that you need to copy and paste the text in the document and then give it a name to create the pdf.

 

Oh, ok - that unfortunately won't work for my purposes. I appreciate you trying to help!:wave

 

Ok, so I "finally" downloaded primopdf and am having some problems with it. I configured the "settings" to "do nothing" when I drop a file into the desktop icon but when I drag it over, it displays "open with word" when I hover over and then the file opens. Did I configure the settings wrong or is that functionality only available on a "for pay" version?

Thanks.

 

Sorry, my bad.:-o I've never seen it do that before. But after trying it with large documents I see that it does indeed open the program(s) that I've set as the defaults for which ever types of documents I'm working with. Don't know about the "pay for" version, I've not used it.

Same thing with CutePDF writer. When I've used either in the past(and even now) the conversion process was/is quick enough that I didn't/don't see it happen.

I apologize for pointing you in the wrong direction.

At this point, usafveteran's suggestion would be your best bet. Just have to balance the monthly $$$ fee against the $$$ cost in time for the process you're using now.

There might be other possible solutions depending on what program(s) create the documents and it/their installed location.

 

Hi,

Don't sweat it - it's not a big deal. I was just confused as I kept setting the control to "do nothing" and it still opened. It is still more convenient than opening my docs and then "printing to pdf".

Have a good weekend.

Tammy