PDF Converter Program Recommendations

[Nick Ostrowski]

Following my recent office computer failure and replacement, I can't seem to find the PDF converter software disc to reinstall the converter on my new computer. I downloaded a free PDF converter and it works fine but it does not offer any capability to adjust the memory size of documents. Therefore, a report with 24 pics is coming is at 17MB and I want to get it down to about half of that. Does anybody have a recommendation for a PDF converter that provides this capability?

[John Dirks Jr]

Are you using Word? My version 2010 has a built in PDF convertor. My reports are 20-25 pages with 20-30 pics and going out an average of 4MB.

[Jerry Peck]

report with 24 pics is coming is at 17MB

The best way is to re-size the photos smaller before inserting the photos into Word.

[John Dirks Jr]

Heres a great free re sizing program. Also does text, watermarks, borders, etc. Once you set your preferences, one click does them all at once.

I love it.

FastStone Photo Resizer - Powerful Image Converter/Resizer (http://www.faststone.org/FSResizerDetail.htm)

[Jerry Peck]

Heres a great free re sizing program. Also does text, watermarks, borders, etc. Once you set your preferences, one click does them all at once.

I love it.

FastStone Photo Resizer - Powerful Image Converter/Resizer (http://www.faststone.org/FSResizerDetail.htm)

That is the same one I use.

[Nick Ostrowski]

Thanks John. I'll give it a shot.

I already take all my inspection pics in PC mode on the camera. I prefer not to downsize them any further or I'll lose picture clarity.

[Jim Luttrall]

If you are using Word, you can "compress" not resize everything within the document at once. I resize all my photos with MS photo editor to fit two side by side on the page in my report before importing to the report and then compress with Word once I am finished with the report but before converting to a pdf. I find using the compress function inside word results in little (if any) loss of clarity. I compress to the "200" setting normally but have used the more drastic compression with extremely large reports with little (if any) loss of clarity.

[Steven Saville]

I use "PDF Create v7" by Nuance. Does everything you need including editing PDF's, converting to forms, typing directly on PDF forms, etc. Fantastic product.

Here's the link: Nuance - PDF Converter Professional 7 - PDF Converter Professional 7 (http://www.nuance.com/products/pdf-converter-professional7/index.htm)

[John Dirks Jr]

Try this PDF as a sample. My original pics are usually over 1MB each. Then I downsize. This doc with 6 inserts is only 380kb. Go ahead and zoom on the doc. The resolution stays plenty good. This was converted with the Word built in PDF convertor.

You need to experiment with different camera settings and downsizing functions with Fastone until you find the combo you like.

My cover pic size is 1024x768.

My report body size is 554x416. This allows me 3 rows of 2 on each row with a bit of room for text to explain the pics.

[James Duffin]

This is free and works great. It installs as a printer.

PDFCreator - The free PDF Creator and Converter | pdfforge.org (http://www.pdfforge.org/pdfcreator)

[Billy Stephens]

This is free and works great. It installs as a printer.

PDFCreator - The free PDF Creator and Converter | pdfforge.org (http://www.pdfforge.org/pdfcreator)
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As does PDF Converter — #1 Free PDF Creator — PrimoPDF (http://www.primopdf.com/).
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[Matt Fellman]

I just went through this a couple weeks ago... I had Adobe 9.0 (paid $100) on my old computer but couldn't find the disc or product key. So, I checked out some free ones to get me by. I found Primo PDF and it's great.

I take my pics in the smallest format 640X480 so my average report is 2mb or so. On the smallest setting through primo it ends up around 400kb (.4mb).

Anyway, I found my Adobe disc and don't care to re-install it.... Primo works great. I tried 8 or so free progams and everyone had some problem except this one. If you try it go thru CNET to avoid spyware... here's the link:

PrimoPDF - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com (http://download.cnet.com/PrimoPDF/3000-18497_4-10264577.html)

[Eric Van De Ven]

Following my recent office computer failure and replacement, I can't seem to find the PDF converter software disc to reinstall the converter on my new computer. I downloaded a free PDF converter and it works fine but it does not offer any capability to adjust the memory size of documents. Therefore, a report with 24 pics is coming is at 17MB and I want to get it down to about half of that. Does anybody have a recommendation for a PDF converter that provides this capability?

I use docuprinter by Neevia. It is 20 bucks and a print driver, so you can convert any document into a PDF. Docuprinter (http://www.neevia.com/)

I resize my pictures prior to putting them in the report. If you have win xp, Power Toys has a bulk resizer.
If you have Win Vista or 7, use this: Resizer (http://imageresizer.codeplex.com/)

[Eric Shuman]

I use "PDF Create v7" by Nuance. Does everything you need including editing PDF's, converting to forms, typing directly on PDF forms, etc. Fantastic product.

Here's the link: Nuance - PDF Converter Professional 7 - PDF Converter Professional 7 (http://www.nuance.com/products/pdf-converter-professional7/index.htm)

This is a great PDF program. Been using it for 7 years. I paid about $100 for the new version when I got a new computer this year. Works great, worth the price

[Robert Ernst]

I use Nitropdf. I have it set up like a printer so anything you can print you can turn to a pdf. Works well.

[Nick Ostrowski]

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As does PDF Converter — #1 Free PDF Creator — PrimoPDF (http://www.primopdf.com/).
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This one worked out great. The presets that are already in the program size the report down very nicely. Total memory size with 18 pics comes in about 800+ KBs and the resolution is not compromised either. And best of all, the program is free. Thanks for the tip.