CreatePDF Desktop Printer Discontinued: Best Alternatives & Fixes
Question details
The user needs an alternative tool or method for generating PDFs because the Adobe CreatePDF Desktop printer service has reached its end of life and no longer functions.
- Product
- Adobe CreatePDF Desktop Printer
- Device & OS
- Windows 8.1 / Chrome
- Scenario
- Attempting to create or print documents to PDF format from desktop applications or web browsers.
- Observed behavior
- The CreatePDF Desktop printer fails to automatically connect to the online PDF creation service, preventing users from generating PDF files.
Verify your current operating system version and check if your frequently used applications (like web browsers or word processors) already have a built-in 'Save as PDF' or 'Export to PDF' function before installing new software.
Use Built-in Browser and System PDF Printers
Modern browsers and operating systems come with native PDF virtual printers, eliminating the need for discontinued third-party desktop printers.
If you are using Google Chrome or a newer version of Windows, you likely already have a free, built-in method to create PDFs without relying on Adobe's discontinued service.
Open the webpage in Chrome or the document in your desktop application and press 'Ctrl + P' to open the print dialog menu.
Click the drop-down menu next to 'Destination' or 'Printer'.
Choose 'Save as PDF' (in Chrome) or 'Microsoft Print to PDF' (on Windows 10/11).
Click the 'Save' or 'Print' button, choose a destination folder on your computer, and click 'Save' to generate the PDF.
Use Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Online Services
Transition to Adobe's current official PDF creation tools as recommended following the end of life of the CreatePDF Desktop printer.
Use WPS PDF to Create, Convert, and Edit Documents
WPS Office includes a powerful built-in PDF toolkit. You can easily create PDFs from standard Office files or utilize its advanced features to view, edit, and export documents as high-quality PDFs without relying on discontinued tools.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer, Spreadsheets, or Presentation and open the file you wish to convert.
- 3. Export directly to PDF: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner, hover over 'Export to PDF', and configure your desired output settings.
- 4. Save the PDF: Click 'Export to PDF' to instantly generate and save a highly compatible PDF file on your local drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Adobe CreatePDF Desktop Printer stop working?
Adobe officially discontinued the CreatePDF Desktop Printer and disabled the backend service. As a result, the desktop application can no longer connect to the necessary online servers required to process and create your PDF documents.
Does Google Chrome have a built-in PDF printer?
Yes, Google Chrome includes a native 'Save as PDF' feature. When you press Ctrl+P to print a webpage, you can select 'Save as PDF' from the destination drop-down list to create a PDF file without needing any extra software.
How do I print to PDF on older Windows versions like Windows 8.1?
If your operating system lacks the native 'Microsoft Print to PDF' feature (introduced in Windows 10), you can install comprehensive office suites like WPS Office or dedicated PDF software, which typically install a local virtual PDF printer on your system automatically.
Are PDFs created with built-in system printers high quality?
Yes, standard system 'Print to PDF' options generate standard-quality documents that are perfectly suitable for web viewing and regular printing. For professional print jobs requiring specific color profiles or advanced compression, dedicated PDF software is recommended.
