PDF24 Creator is a completely free, comprehensive utility designed to handle nearly every aspect of document management on your PC. Unlike many competing tools that lock essential functions behind expensive subscriptions, this software provides a full suite of offline editing, converting, and organizational tools for both personal and commercial use. It functions primarily as a virtual printer and a desktop toolbox, allowing you to generate PDF files from any application that supports printing while keeping your sensitive data secure on your local machine.
Key Features
- Virtual PDF Printer: Generates PDF files from any program with a print option, such as Microsoft Word or a web browser, by simply selecting the PDF24 printer from the list.
- Document Assembly: Merges multiple files into a single document or splits large reports into separate pages using a visual drag-and-drop interface.
- Integrated OCR: Recognizes text within scanned images and documents, converting them into searchable and editable formats without requiring internet access.
- File Compression: Reduces the file size of heavy documents significantly, making them easier to send via email or upload to storage platforms.
- Format Conversion: Transforms existing PDFs into other editable formats like Word, Excel, and text, or converts images (JPG, PNG) into standard PDF documents.
- Security Tools: Protects confidential information by applying password encryption, redacting sensitive text, and managing user permissions for printing and copying.
Use Cases
This software is ideal for administrative professionals and students who frequently need to combine scattered reports into a single, organized file for easy distribution. Small business owners also rely on it to digitize paper records using the OCR function and apply digital signatures to contracts without incurring monthly software costs.
PDF24 Creator delivers a complete, privacy-focused desktop solution that rivals paid alternatives, making it an excellent choice for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users who demand functionality without fees.
Version 11.29.0 — December 2025
Added:
- Reader: Option to insert blank pages via context menu.
- Toolbox: CLI flags for '-createInvoice' including language code and XML regeneration.
- DocTool: Support for '-param' and '-header' command line arguments.
Improved:
- Creator: Enhanced mouse wheel behavior for scrolling and zooming previews.
- Output Profiles: Better display scaling on multiple monitor setups.
- Printer Installer: x64 and amd64 architectures are now treated as synonyms.
- Toolbox: Scrollbar colors adapted to the active theme.
Fixed:
- Creator: Fixed an issue where full-window preview mode did not scale correctly.
- Reader: Fixed single-instance check to prevent opening multiple windows for selected files.
- Toolbox: Resolved errors when converting to secure PDF.
- Toolbox: Fixed issues with password-protected PDFs in the Merge tool.
- eInvoice: Corrected XML output for tax category O (Not subject to VAT).
Security:
- Updated components (OpenJDK 17.0.17.10, WebView2 143.0.3650.66, QPDF 12.2.0).
