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How to Print a Scanned Document Without CreatePDF Desktop Printer
Question details
The user is looking for a way to print or create a PDF from a scanned document because the Adobe CreatePDF Desktop Printer is no longer available.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / General PDF
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to create or print a PDF from a scanned file.
- Observed behavior
- The CreatePDF Desktop Printer tool is discontinued and no longer appears in the printer list, blocking the user's standard workflow.
Ensure your scanned document is saved in a standard image format (like JPEG, PNG, or TIFF) and check that your operating system is updated to support native PDF virtual printers.
Use the Built-in Microsoft Print to PDF Feature (Windows)
Since Adobe's CreatePDF Desktop Printer is discontinued, Windows users can utilize the native 'Microsoft Print to PDF' tool to achieve the exact same result.
Microsoft introduced a native Print to PDF feature starting with Windows 10. This built-in virtual printer eliminates the need for third-party PDF creation software and allows you to generate a PDF from any application that supports printing.
Locate the scanned document on your computer and double-click to open it in your default photo viewer or compatible application.
Press 'Ctrl + P' on your keyboard, or navigate to File > Print from the top menu of the application.
In the Print dialog box, click on the Printer drop-down menu and select 'Microsoft Print to PDF' from the list of available printers.
Click the 'Print' button. A new window will appear prompting you to choose a destination folder and enter a file name. Click 'Save' to create your new PDF.
Use the macOS 'Save as PDF' Option (Mac)
Mac users do not need a third-party desktop printer tool, as macOS has PDF creation integrated directly into the system print menu.
Easily Create and Print PDFs with WPS Office
Instead of relying on discontinued plugins or multiple default apps, you can use WPS Office to instantly convert scanned documents and images into high-quality PDFs with advanced editing features.
- 1. Open the PDF tools in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and click on 'PDF' in the home interface to access the dedicated PDF toolkit.
- 2. Select the conversion tool: Click on 'Picture to PDF' from the conversion menu options.
- 3. Add your scanned documents: Drag and drop your scanned images into the window, and adjust the layout or page order as needed.
- 4. Export the PDF: Click 'Export PDF' to instantly create and save your new PDF document directly to your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the CreatePDF Desktop Printer missing from my computer?
Adobe officially discontinued the CreatePDF Desktop Printer service. It is no longer supported or available for installation in modern versions of Adobe Acrobat or Reader.
Does Microsoft Print to PDF reduce the quality of scanned images?
Generally, Microsoft Print to PDF maintains good quality. However, the final resolution depends heavily on the original scan quality and the specific print properties you select before clicking print.
Can I combine multiple scanned images into one PDF without CreatePDF?
Yes. In Windows, you can select multiple image files in File Explorer, right-click, choose 'Print', and select 'Microsoft Print to PDF'. On Mac, you can open multiple images in Preview and use the Print menu to save them together as a PDF.
Is there a free alternative to Adobe Acrobat for creating PDFs?
Yes, built-in tools like Microsoft Print to PDF (Windows) and Save as PDF (macOS) are completely free. Additionally, comprehensive software suites like WPS Office offer free built-in PDF creation and virtual printing features.
