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Windows · PDF

PDF24 Creator for Windows

Free Windows tool that adds a print-to-PDF printer plus a toolbox for merging, splitting, compressing, and lightly editing PDFs.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

PDF24 Creator is a free Windows application from Geek Software GmbH that installs a virtual PDF printer — letting you 'print' any document to a PDF file from almost any Windows app — alongside a desktop toolbox for merging, splitting, compressing, rotating, and doing light editing of existing PDFs.

It suits users who mainly need to create PDFs from other file types (Word documents, web pages, images) or perform quick housekeeping tasks on existing PDFs, rather than users who need deep text editing or OCR-heavy workflows. The company also offers the same toolbox as free browser-based tools on its website for one-off tasks without installing anything.

Compared with PDF-XChange Editor or Nitro, PDF24 Creator is less focused on becoming a full editor and more focused on file creation and everyday PDF utility tasks, making it a good complementary tool alongside a dedicated viewer or editor rather than a full replacement for one.

The desktop app is free for personal and business use according to the developer; confirm current licensing terms on PDF24's own site if using it in a commercial context.

Key features

  • Virtual PDF printer for creating PDFs from any application that can print
  • Merge, split, rotate, and reorder pages across multiple PDFs
  • Compression tool for reducing PDF file size
  • Basic editing tools including adding text, images, and stamps
  • Batch processing for applying an operation to many files at once
  • Companion free web tools for one-off tasks without installing the desktop app

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10

How to install PDF24 Creator

  1. 1. Download the installer

    Get the Windows installer from tools.pdf24.org/en/pdf24-creator.

  2. 2. Run setup

    Approve the UAC prompt and review each installer screen before completing setup.

  3. 3. Confirm the virtual printer is installed

    Check your printer list for 'PDF24' after installation to confirm the print-to-PDF feature is available.

  4. 4. Open the toolbox

    Launch PDF24 Creator to access the merge, split, compress, and editing tools.

How to use it

  1. 1. Print any document to PDF

    From any application's print dialog, select the PDF24 printer to save the document as a PDF instead of printing on paper.

  2. 2. Merge multiple PDFs

    Drag several PDF files into the toolbox and use the Merge tool to combine them into one file.

  3. 3. Compress a large PDF

    Use the Compress tool to reduce file size for emailing or uploading, choosing a quality level that balances size and clarity.

  4. 4. Batch process files

    Apply the same operation, such as rotating or compressing, to multiple PDF files at once from the toolbox.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from tools.pdf24.org to get the official installer.
  • Review installer screens for any optional offers before proceeding, as with most free Windows utilities.
Bundled software
We have not identified unrelated bundled third-party software in the official installer, but recommend reviewing each setup screen.
Privacy
PDF24 Creator's desktop tools process files locally; the companion web tools upload files to PDF24's servers for processing, which is a separate consideration from the desktop app.

Known risks

  • If you use the web-based tools instead of the desktop app, be mindful that files are uploaded to PDF24's servers for processing.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Free virtual PDF printer works from almost any Windows application
    • Useful set of everyday PDF housekeeping tools in one place
    • Batch processing supported for common operations
    • Companion web tools available for quick one-off tasks

    Cons

    • Not a full text-editing PDF editor
    • No OCR for scanned documents
    • Web-based companion tools upload files to PDF24's servers, unlike the desktop app

    Verdict

    PDF24 Creator is a handy free utility for creating PDFs via print-to-PDF and handling everyday tasks like merging, splitting, and compressing. It's not a substitute for a full PDF editor if you need to change document text directly.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is PDF24 Creator free?

    Yes, PDF24 Creator is free to download and use; check the developer's site for any specific commercial-use terms.

    Can PDF24 Creator edit PDF text?

    It offers basic editing like adding text, images, and stamps, but it is not a full text-editing PDF editor.

    Does PDF24 Creator work on Windows 11?

    Yes, PDF24 Creator supports Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    Does PDF24 Creator upload my files anywhere?

    The desktop app processes files locally; only the separate web-based tools on PDF24's site upload files to their servers.