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Top 5 PDF Printers for Windows with Printing Tips (Updated 2024)

August 3, 2023 1.3K views

Are you a Windows 10 user seeking a good PDF printer? While the operating system now includes a built-in print to PDF feature, it's important to note that not all Windows computers offer this functionality. So, what options do you have? How can you find a reliable and free PDF printer that suits your needs? Look no further! In this article, we'll guide you through the top PDF printers for Windows, providing detailed printing features and invaluable tips to enhance your PDF printing experience.

Part 1: How to Find the Best Free PDF Printer?

Finding the best free PDF printer can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous options available. However, with the right approach, you can identify a PDF printer that meets your specific requirements. WPS Office can meet your requirements. Here are some steps to help you find the free best PDF printer:

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  • Research and Reviews: Start by researching different PDF printers available in the market. Read reviews from trusted sources and gather insights about their features, ease of use, and overall performance.

  • Compatibility: Ensure that the free PDF printer you choose is compatible with your Windows operating system. Check for compatibility with your version of Windows, whether it's Windows 10, Windows 8, or an earlier version.

  • Feature Evaluation: Consider the features offered by different PDF printers. Look for functionalities like watermarking, encryption, page scaling, and compression. Assess which features are essential for your PDF printing needs.

  • User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface makes the PDF printing process smooth and hassle-free. Look for free printers with intuitive interfaces that allow easy customization and settings adjustment.

  • Reliability and Performance: Seek free PDF printers known for their reliability and performance. Look for printers that consistently produce high-quality PDF documents without any glitches or compatibility issues.

  • Customer Support: Consider the availability of customer support from the PDF printer's developers. In case you encounter any difficulties or have questions, it's important to have reliable support to assist you.

  • User Recommendations: Take into account recommendations from other users who have experience with the free PDF printer. Check forums, online communities, or ask colleagues or friends for their opinions and experiences.

By following these steps, you can narrow down your options and find the best PDF printer that suits your specific needs. Remember to consider compatibility, features, reliability, and user feedback to make an informed decision.

Part 2: Best 5 PDF Printers for Windows

1. WPS PDF Printer (Best & Free with High Quality)

WPS all apps screenshot


When it comes to choosing the best PDF printer for Windows, WPS PDF Printer stands out as a top contender, offering excellent features and high-quality output. Let's delve into why WPS PDF Printer is the go-to choice for Windows users:

WPS PDF Printer is a reliable and feature-rich PDF printing solution. Developed by WPS Office, it is known for its user-friendly interface and superior performance. With a focus on providing high-quality PDF prints, WPS Free PDF Printer has gained a strong reputation among Windows users.

Key Features

  • Easy Installation: WPS PDF Printer can be quickly installed on your Windows system, ensuring a seamless integration with your printing options.

  • Print-to-PDF Functionality: With a simple print command, WPS PDF Printer allows you to convert any printable document or file into a PDF format effortlessly.

  • Customizable Settings: Tailor your PDF printing experience with various customizable settings, such as page orientation, paper size, resolution, and more.

  • Watermark and Header/Footer Options: Add professional touches to your PDF prints by incorporating watermarks, headers, and footers for branding or document identification.

  • Password Protection: Safeguard your free PDF prints by adding password protection, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the content.

  • Multiple Language Support: WPS Free PDF Printer offers multi-language support, making it accessible to users from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

  • Integration with WPS Office Suite: Seamlessly integrate WPS PDF Printer with the comprehensive WPS Office Suite, enhancing your overall productivity and document management capabilities.

With its exceptional features and commitment to providing high-quality PDF prints, WPS PDF Printer undoubtedly secures its place as one of the best PDF printers for Windows.

2. Foxit Printer (Great for PDF Beginners)

Foxit printer landing page screenshot


Foxit Printer is a widely recognized PDF printing solution that caters to users of all levels of expertise. It is developed by Foxit Software, a leading provider of PDF software solutions known for their innovation and user-friendly products. With a focus on simplicity and efficiency, Foxit Printer has gained popularity among Windows users, particularly those new to PDF printing.

Key Features

  • Easy Installation and Setup: Foxit Printer offers a straightforward installation process, allowing users to quickly set up the printer on their Windows systems.

  • Intuitive Printing Interface: Designed with simplicity in mind, the user interface of Foxit Printer is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it an ideal choice for PDF beginners.

  • Print Preview: Preview your PDF prints before sending them to the printer, ensuring that the output matches your expectations and avoiding any potential errors.

  • Flexible Print Options: Foxit Free Printer provides a range of print options, such as page scaling, multiple pages per sheet, and color management, allowing users to customize their prints according to their specific needs.

  • Efficient PDF Conversion: With Foxit Free Printer, converting files to PDF format is a breeze. Simply select Foxit Printer as the printing option, and it will seamlessly convert your documents into high-quality PDFs.

  • Enhanced Security Features: Foxit Free Printer offers advanced security options, including password protection and encryption, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your PDF prints.

3. Adobe (Original PDF Printer)

Adobe landing page screenshot



Adobe is synonymous with PDF technology and has been a pioneer in the field since the format's inception. With a rich history and a strong reputation, Adobe is known for its industry-leading software, including Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader. As the original PDF printer, Adobe offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features that cater to the diverse needs of users.

Key Features

  • Reliable PDF Printing: Adobe provides a robust and reliable PDF printing solution, allowing you to effortlessly convert any printable document into a PDF format.

  • Extensive Customization Options: With Adobe, you have a wide range of options to customize your PDF prints. Adjust settings such as page size, orientation, resolution, color management, and more to achieve the desired output.

  • Integration with Adobe Document Cloud: Seamlessly integrate with Adobe Document Cloud to access additional features such as online storage, collaboration tools, and document sharing capabilities.

  • Enhanced Security: Adobe prioritizes the security of your PDF prints. Protect your documents with password encryption, permissions, and digital certificates, ensuring that your sensitive information remains secure.

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Adobe's PDF prints are designed to be compatible across multiple platforms and devices, allowing for seamless viewing and printing on different systems.

4. PrimoPDF (Easy PDF Printer)

PrimoPDF landing page screenshot


PrimoPDF is a user-friendly PDF free printer known for its simplicity and efficiency. Developed by Nitro Software, PrimoPDF offers a streamlined approach to PDF printing, making it accessible to users of all levels of expertise. With its focus on ease-of-use, PrimoPDF has garnered a loyal user base among Windows users.

Key Features

  • Simple Installation and Setup: PrimoPDF ensures a hassle-free installation process, enabling users to quickly set up the free printer on their Windows systems.

  • Intuitive Printing Process: With its user-friendly interface, PrimoPDF simplifies the PDF printing process. Users can easily select PrimoPDF as their printing option and convert their documents into PDF format seamlessly.

  • Drag-and-Drop Functionality: With PrimoPDF, converting files to PDF format is as simple as drag-and-drop. Users can effortlessly drag their documents onto the PrimoPDF interface, initiating the conversion process with ease.

  • Integration with Popular Applications: PrimoPDF integrates smoothly with popular applications, enabling users to directly print their files to PDF from various software programs, enhancing convenience and workflow efficiency.

  • PDF Security Options: PrimoPDF offers basic security options, allowing users to password-protect their PDF prints and control access to sensitive information.

  • Free to Use: PrimoPDF is available as a free PDF printing solution, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a cost-effective option.

5. Microsoft Print to PDF (Windows 10 Native PDF Printer)

Microsoft Print to PDF landing page screenshot

Microsoft Print to PDF is a built-in PDF printing feature included in Windows 10. As a native PDF printer, it offers seamless integration with the operating system and requires no additional software installation. Developed by Microsoft, this feature provides Windows users with a convenient and straightforward way to convert documents to PDF format.

Key Features

  • Inherent Integration: Microsoft Print to PDF is seamlessly integrated into the Windows 10 operating system, ensuring a native and efficient PDF printing experience.

  • Accessibility: Being a built-in feature, Microsoft Print to PDF is readily available on any Windows 10 device, eliminating the need to search for or install external PDF printers.

  • Print from Any Application: Microsoft Print to PDF allows you to print to PDF from any application or software that supports printing. Simply select "Microsoft Print to PDF" as your printing option, and it will convert the document into a PDF format.

  • Customizable Settings: Adjust various settings such as page size, orientation, margins, and resolution to tailor the output according to your preferences and requirements.

  • File Compression: Microsoft Print to PDF offers the option to compress PDF files, reducing their file size without significant loss of quality, which can be beneficial for sharing and storing purposes.

  • Ease of Use: With its intuitive interface and familiar printing process, Microsoft Printer to PDF is user-friendly, making it accessible to users of all levels of expertise.

Seamless Integration with Windows 10 Features: Microsoft Print to PDF integrates well with other Windows 10 features, such as file management and sharing options, providing a cohesive user experience.

Part 3: Tips for Printing PDF Files

When it comes to free printing for PDF files, there are several tips that can help you ensure a smooth and high-quality printing experience. Here are some valuable tips, along with explanations, to enhance your PDF printing process:

  • Check Print Settings: Before printing, double-check the print settings to ensure they are optimized for your needs. Adjust the page size, orientation, and scaling options to match your desired output.

  • Choose the Right Paper Size: Select the appropriate paper size that matches the PDF document's layout. This ensures that the content fits perfectly on the printed page and avoids any cropping or distortion.

  • Consider Page Margins: Pay attention to the page margins to avoid any content being cut off during the printing process. Adjust the margins if necessary to ensure all the important elements are within the printable area.

  • Enable Two-Sided Printing: If your free printer supports duplex printing, enable the two-sided printing option. This helps save paper and creates professional-looking documents.

  • Use Print Preview: Always utilize the print preview feature to review how the PDF file will appear on paper. This allows you to identify and correct any formatting issues or errors before printing free.

  • Update Printer Drivers: Ensure that your printer drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues and affect the print quality. Visit the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest drivers for your printer.

  • Clear Printer Queue: If you encounter any printing errors or delays, clear the printer queue. This helps resolve any stuck print jobs and ensures smooth printing for subsequent documents.

  • Save Ink or Toner: To conserve ink or toner, you can adjust the free printer settings to print in grayscale or draft mode. This is particularly useful when printing non-essential documents or rough drafts.

  • Consider PDF Optimization: If the PDF file is large in size, consider optimizing it before printing free. PDF optimization reduces file size without compromising quality, resulting in faster printing and smoother document handling.

Part 4: Why We Should Always Use PDFs for Printing

PDF (Portable Document Format) files have become the preferred choice for printing due to their numerous advantages. Let's explore why using PDFs for printing is highly recommended:

  • Preserves Document Formatting: PDFs retain the original formatting of the document, ensuring that the printed version looks identical to the digital version. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of complex layouts, graphics, and fonts.

  • Platform and Device Compatibility: PDFs can be viewed and printed on various platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. They are independent of the software or operating system used to create them, ensuring consistent printing results across different environments.

  • Maintains Document Integrity: PDFs are non-editable by default, which means the content and layout remain unchanged during printing. This prevents accidental modifications and ensures that the printed document accurately reflects the author's intent.

  • Embeds Fonts: PDFs can embed fonts, guaranteeing that the printed document retains the specific fonts used in its creation. This eliminates the need to have the same fonts installed on the printing device, avoiding potential font substitution issues.

  • File Compression: PDFs can compress large files, reducing their size without significant loss of quality. This is advantageous when printing documents with extensive content, as it optimizes file transfer and improves printing efficiency.

  • Password Protection and Encryption: PDFs offer security features such as password protection and encryption, allowing sensitive documents to be securely printed. This ensures that confidential information remains protected throughout the printing process.

  • Consistent Printing Results: PDFs ensure consistent printing results regardless of the printer used. The document's layout, colors, and graphics are faithfully reproduced, enabling reliable and accurate prints across different free printers.

  • Easy Sharing and Distribution: PDFs are widely supported and can be easily shared and distributed electronically. This makes them an efficient choice for sending files to print service providers or colleagues, ensuring that the intended document is printed correctly.

FAQs:

Q1: Is it better to print from Word or PDF?

It is generally better to print from PDF files for consistent formatting across devices. I recommend using WPS Office, a reliable office suite with excellent PDF creation and printing capabilities.

Q2: How do I print high-quality PDF?

To print a high-quality PDF, open the file in Adobe Acrobat or a PDF viewer, adjust print settings for paper size, orientation, and quality, preview the layout, and click Print. Alternatively, you can use WPS Office, which offers user-friendly interface and advanced printing options for high-quality PDF printing.

Final Thought

In conclusion, this article has provided an overview of the top 5 free PDF printers for Windows, along with valuable printing tips. We explored the features and benefits of each printer, including WPS PDF Printer, Foxit Printer, Adobe, PrimoPDF, and Microsoft Print to PDF. These free printers offer a range of options to suit different user preferences and requirements. Whether you're looking for high-quality printing, user-friendly interfaces, or native Windows integration, there's a free PDF printer on this list to meet your needs.

In conclusion, when it comes to PDF printing on Windows, exploring the top free PDF printers and implementing the recommended printing tips can greatly improve your printing experience. Consider your specific requirements and preferences, and choose a free PDF printer that suits your needs. Don't forget to leverage the power of WPS Office and its PDF toolkit to enhance your document creation and printing workflows. Discover the advantages of WPS Office and its PDF functionalities at wps.com/office and unlock the full potential of your PDF printing capabilities.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.