PDF Tools

A-PDF Text Extractor
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-09-17
Version: 1.4.4 – Released: 2012-09-17 Windows: 98, NT, Me, 2000, XP, Vista
File Size: 920 KB
“A-PDF Text Extractor is a free utility designed to extract text from Adobe PDF files for use in other applications. There are three mode of output text: In PDF Order, Smart Rearrange and With Position. The program is freeware, which means that you can use it either persionally or commercially for free. The program is a standalone application; no Adobe Acrobat needed.
“To extract text from a PDF file, the PDF file must meet the following conditions:
√ The file is formatted to contain text and not just images.
√ The file contains security restrictions which disable text selecting. (You may remove the security by using the A-PDF Restriction Remover)
“Note: Text formatting may be lost after exacting from the original PDF file.”
Anchor Link Adobe Reader XIupdate
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-05-15
Version: 11.0.3 – Released: 2013-05-14 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8
File Size: 48 MB Requires: IE 7, Chrome or Firefox ESR
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Adobe Reader software is the global standard for electronic document sharing. It is the only PDF file viewer that can open and interact with all PDF documents. Use Adobe Reader to view, search, digitally sign, verify, print, and collaborate on Adobe PDF files.”
Anchor Link Cool PDF Reader
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-04-10
Version: 3.0.2.256 – Released: 2012-04-10 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8
File Size: 808 KB Portable version available on-site
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“The world’s smallest PDF viewer/reader to view, print, and convert PDF files to TXT, BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, WMF, EMF, EPS. It is only 650KB for download and doesn’t need lengthy installation, just download and run. Features:
• View and Print PDF
• Convert PDF to BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, WMF, EMF, EPS
• Extract PDF to TXT
• Support PDF files of all versions
• Work with 68+ different languages
• Zoom in/out and Rotate page displays
• Slide show PDF document with full screen
• Small in size, only 650KB”
Anchor Link CutePDF Writer
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-09-29
Version: 3.0 – Released: 2012-09-27 Windows: All, incl 8
File Size: 1.82 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“CutePDF Writer allows you to convert any printable document to PDF format. It installs as a virtual printer and is available from any application that offers a ‘Print’ option. The program is easy to use, just select the CutePDF printer and click the print button. Some advanced options are also available (scaling, multi-page layouts, print quality and more). Unlike most other free PDF creators, this one does not insert any watermarks at all – however it depends on the install of a free converter, which can be easily downloaded and installed. If you are looking for easy, no hassle conversion to PDF format, you should give this one a try!
“Easy-to-Install, Easy-to-Use, Professional Quality. Absolutely Free! No watermarks! No Annoying Popup Advertisements! Requires PS2PDF converter such as Ghostscript (recommended). You can get the free GNU Ghostscript 8.15 here.”
Anchor Link Foxit PDF Reader
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-04-17
Version: 6.0.2.0413 – Released: 2013-04-17 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 28.3 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Foxit PDF Reader is a free reader for PDF (eBook) documents. You can view and print PDF documents with it. Foxit PDF Reader is small (the download size less than 1MB), so you can download it quickly. It doesn’t need any lengthy installation, so you can start to run it as soon as you can download it. And it starts up immediately, so you don’t need to wait the annoying ‘Welcome’ screen to disappear.
“Foxit PDF Reader is provided by Foxit Software Company for free personal use. This product is provided AS IS without any explicit or implicit warranty.”
[ The setup program includes options for one or more toolbars, eBay icons, etc. which do not have to be installed to use the software; Ed. ]
Anchor Link Free PDF to Word Converter
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-07-30
Version: 2.0 – Released: 2012-06-03 Windows: All
File Size: 597 KB
“If you are working on a file in PDF format and you want to edit the file in Word, you can convert it to a Word document. Our Free PDF to Word Converter enable export the text, images and other contents from PDF document into word document, so you can reuse your PDF content. Free PDF to Word Converter will preserving text, layout and bitmap images in the generated word document.
“Free PDF to Word Converter is a standalone program and does not require Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or even Acrobat Reader. Key features:
♦ Convert PDF documents to word formats, Fast, Accurate, Free;
♦ Batch conversion of multiple PDF documents to word files;
♦ Retain original page layout;
♦ Do NOT need Adobe Acrobat or free Acrobat Reader software;
♦ Support conversion from encrypted PDF files and password protected documents;
♦ Support Page ranges (all, from to, individual pages);
♦ Convert PDF files into Microsoft Word and RTF formats;
♦ Converted files can be automatically loaded immediately after conversion complete;
♦ Create full layout Word document and text only Word document;
♦ Convert user password and owner password protected PDF files to Word documents directly;
♦ Simple to use, Best Quality.”
Anchor Link PDF Version Converter
License: Shareware Last Reviewed: 2012-07-30
Version: 2.01.63 – Released: 2009-09-26 Windows: 9x, Me, NT, 2000, XP, 2003
File Size: 1 MB Portable
“Every PDF file is generated or produced according to a specification. This specification has evolved from version 1.0 to version 1.6. Sometimes users are faced with the dilemma that a certain application only recognizes a specific version of PDF file. For example, some journal publishers only accept submission of PDF files of version 1.4 or later, some obsolete Windows applications only read PDF files of version 1.2. Suppose you have a PDF file of version 1.1, what would you like to do? PDF Version Converter is the answer. This freeware utility enables you to convert PDF files between different versions.”
Anchor Link PDF Viewer
License: Free Online Last Reviewed: 2012-07-30
“This is an online viewer, with which you can view PDF and PostScript files as browsable images and Word documents as web pages. Given a URL on the net or a file on your computer, the viewer will try to retrieve the document, convert it and show it to you. No plugin software is required.
“History: The viewer grew out of frustration over there never being good PDF or PostScript viewers or readers on all different operating systems and computers I use. Initially, the Adobe Acrobat PDF reader wasn’t available for Linux. The solution: a web interface! All major operating systems have somewhat functional web browsers available, so now I can view PDF and PostScript files wherever I want, and it can handle compressed files too.
“Q: How long will my document be available?
“A: Documents are cleared from the viewer three days after they where last viewed. The cache may be purged more often.”
Anchor Link PDF-XChange Viewer
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-27
Version: 2.5.210 – Released: 2013-02-25 Windows: XP and Later
File Size: 19 MB Portable version available on-site
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Those wishing to View/Modify or perform simple editing of PDF files on their Windows PC’s now have a FREE alternative! The PDF-XChange Viewer is smaller, faster and more feature rich than any other FREE PDF Reader/Viewer/Editor available. This version also allows users to try the extended functionality offered by the PDF-XChange Viewer ‘PRO’ in evaluation mode – for free. No PDF reader or Viewer offers more features than PDF-XChange – or does so without compromising performance and quality, checkout the feature list below and save $100’s in unnecessary expenditure. Also included are the very powerful PDF-XChange Shell Extensions and iFilter.”
[ Note: The exe installers auto-detect System Architecture and install 32- and 64-bit components accordingly; Ed. ]
Anchor Link PDF2TXT
License: Shareware Last Reviewed: 2012-07-30
Version: 3.2 – Released: 2007-03-25 Windows: 9x, Me, NT, 2000, XP, Vista
File Size: 134 KB
“PDF2TXT (pdf to text) software can extract text from pdf files, it needn’t Adobe Acrobat software. PDF2TXT has high speed in processing, you can use it to convert pdf to text, and you can convert a lots of pdf files on the fly to text files in once time.”
Anchor Link pdf995 Suite
License: Adware or $19.95 for Suite Last Reviewed: 2013-03-19
Version: 12.2 – Released: 2013-03-19 Windows: All
File Size: 15.1 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Pdf995 is the fast, affordable way to create professional-quality documents in the popular PDF file format. Its easy-to-use interface allows you to create PDF files by simply selecting the ‘print’ command from any application, creating documents which can be viewed on any computer with a PDF viewer.
“With pdfEdit995, an enhanced functionality utility enabling greater flexibility in PDF output, you can easily combine two or more files into one, set preferences for page orientation and naming conventions, create stationery files, embed fonts, extract text, and much more.
“And with Signature995, you can use encryption and digital signatures for secure transfer of your PDF documents. From start to finish, the pdf995 family products are easy-to-use, powerful, and reliable.
“All three products are available as FREE downloads. The free versions display a sponsor page in your web browser each time you run the software. If you would prefer not to see sponsor pages, you may upgrade by obtaining individual license keys for each product at any time for $9.95 each. A suite license for all three products is also available for $19.95.”
Anchor Link PDFill PDF Editor
License: Shareware Last Reviewed: 2012-07-30
Version: 9.0.9 – Released: 2011-09-27 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
File Size: 11.2 MB Requires: Adobe Reader, GhostScript
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“PDFill PDF Editor allows you to create, fill, save, delete, and submit PDF Form Fields without the need for Adobe Acrobat. Just load a PDF file, and if the document contains recognized form fields, they will be automatically highlighted and made available for editing. Otherwise, you can use the text controls to insert text anywhere in the document. The edited file can then be saved, optionally password protected. The program includes a free PDF writer application that can convert any document to PDF via the Print command, as well as a PDF toolbox to merge or split documents, insert watermarks, add header and footer information, merge PDF files, convert images to PDF and more. The PDF writer and toolbox can be kept beyond the evaluation period.”
[ Note: The required Ghostscript will be downloaded after installation of this utility; Ed. ]
Anchor Link PdfMerge
License: GNU GPL – Open Source Last Reviewed: 2012-07-30
Version: 1.19 – Released: 2009-03-15 Windows: 2000, XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 755 KB Requires: .NET Framework 2.0
“PdfMerge is an Open Source application that enables you to merge multiple PDF documents into a single file. You can specify the range of pages to extract, set a bookmark for each document, provide individual document titles, and arrange the order of the files to be merged. You can add files to the list by drag and drop or import command files that contain a list of the documents and processing instructions (requires some basic text or XML editing). A command line interface is also included for advanced users. The current version does not support password protected PDF files.”
Anchor Link PDFZilla
License: Shareware – $29.95 Last Reviewed: 2013-05-08
Version: 1.3 – Released: 2013-05-06 Windows: 2000. XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 6.5 MB
“PDFZilla is a desktop application that quickly and accurately convert PDF files into editable MS Word Documents, Rich Text Documents, Plain Text Files, Images, HTML Files, and Shockwave Flash SWF Files. PDFZilla supports most of popular formats: DOC, RTF, TXT, BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF, HTML, SWF formats.”
Anchor Link PDFzone
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2012-07-30
Frequently Updated
“The online authority for PDF and document management professionals. An online hub for all things Acrobat and PDF. Plugins, utilities, useful tips, and newsletters.”
Anchor Link Sumatra PDF
License: Free – Open Source Last Reviewed: 2013-01-13
Version: 2.2.1 – Release: 2013-01-12 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 4.7 MB Portable version available on-site
“Sumatra PDF is a slim, free, open-source PDF reader for Windows. Portable out of the box. Sumatra has a minimalistic design. Simplicity has a higher priority than a lot of features. It’s small and starts up very fast. It’s designed for portable use: only one file so you can run it from external USB drive. Doesn’t write to registry.
“The full installer version includes a browser plugin for Firefox, Chrome and Opera (Internet Explorer is not supported). It’s not installed by default so you have to use installer’s options button to install it. You might need to configure the browser too: enable Sumatra’s PDF plugin and disable PDF plugin from other programs.”
Anchor Link Text To PDF
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-07-30
Version: 2.2 – Released: 2006-04-14 Windows: 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista
File Size: 585 KB
“Ap Text To PDF ( text2pdf ) is a program to convert ASCII texts into PDF format with a minimum loss of formatting information. Features include:
¤ Searchable text base on the generated PDF files
¤ Force font size, font name, font color and paper size
¤ Ability to process reports that do not contain form feeds
¤ Acrobat compatible encryption and rights protection
¤ Supports command line operation (for manual use or inclusion in scripts)
¤ Extracts page alignment information
¤ Supports drag and drop files
¤ Batch convert text files to PDF files
¤ Password protection for PDF files with 40 or 128 bit encryption
¤ Set file permissions to restrict printing, copying, and future modifications to the document
¤ Supports page rotation (angle equal: 0,90,180,270)
¤ Supports page orientation (Portrait and Landscape)
¤ Auto open PDF file after creation
¤ Does NOT need Adobe Acrobat software
¤ Supports PDF1.4 protocol (formerly only supported by Acrobat5.0)
¤ Full install/uninstall support
¤ Optimized to increase speed”