PrimoPDF
title: "PrimoPDF" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["freeware", "pdf-software"] topic_path: "general/freeware" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PrimoPDF" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::data[format=table title="Infobox software"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | PrimoPDF |
| author | activePDF |
| developer | Nitro PDF Software |
| released | |
| latest release version | 5.1.0.2 |
| latest release date | |
| latest preview date | |
| programming language | C, C++, C# |
| operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| platform | Windows |
| genre | PDF generator |
| license | Proprietary/Freeware |
| website | |
| :: |
| name = PrimoPDF | logo = | screenshot = | caption = | collapsible = | author = activePDF | developer = Nitro PDF Software | released = | discontinued = | latest release version = 5.1.0.2 | latest release date = | latest preview version = | latest preview date = | frequently updated = | programming language = C, C++, C# | operating system = Microsoft Windows | platform = Windows | size = | language = | status = | genre = PDF generator | license = Proprietary/Freeware | website = PrimoPDF is a freeware program that creates PDF files from printable documents on computers running Microsoft Windows. It works as a virtual printer. It does not present the user with advertisements, but does utilize the OpenCandy Adware program, and its terms of service say that it may use OpenCandy to recommend other software to the user. PrimoPDF is developed by the same company that develops the commercial Nitro PDF software. According to the download link on its Web site in February 2023, version 5.1.0.2 remained current.
PrimoPDF requires the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0. When the program runs, it tries to download automatic updates from www.primopdf.com each time it prints. This feature can be disabled within the program settings. It uses the Ghostscript file format converter and RedMon printer redirection software.
According to its documentation, PrimoPDF has the following features:
- PrimoPDF supports creation profiles (Screen, eBook, Print, Prepress, and Custom) to determine file quality, resolution, and size.
- Can append output to an existing PDF file.
- Supports strong password-based PDF security.
- Allows PDF metadata—including author, title, subject, and keywords—to be set.
- Create files for PDF version 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5
The software uses OpenCandy (which includes spyware) to deliver advertisements.
References
- Seth Rosenblatt, CNET editors' review, October 8, 2009, CNet
- Davey Winder, PrimoPDF Review, 15 Dec 2006, PC Pro
References
- Steyer Phelps, Anne [http://www.pctoday.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/2004/t0207/30t07/30t07.asp&guid= ActivePDF PrimoPDF], [[PC Today]] Software Reviews, July 2004 • Vol.2 Issue 7 Page(s) 82 in print issue
- Richards, Gizmo. (2014-02-08). "Controversial Advertising Program Now Being Embedded in More Software". Gizmo's Freeware.
- OpenCandy. (October 1, 2009). "Nitro PDF Software Opts-In to OpenCandy to Monetize Downloads of PrimoPDF".
- "Welcome PrimoPDF users".
- (2010). "PrimoPDF Source Code". Nitro PDF Pty. Ltd..
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