I cannot vouch for its value in converting PDFs, but PDFZilla is free for 20 days.
http://www.pdfzilla.com/giveaway.html
Be sure to use the registration code on the offer page.
To avoid people thinking that was a spam post, perhaps you should mention the reason one might consider that software in a forum about Logos software, for example:
To make Personal Books, you need text in .docx format, and some of the books people want for Logos are only available in PDF format. This tool might be a good way to attempt to convert them.
I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you, Rosie.
So has anybody here used this? I know its free, but some things are not worth that much[:)] Before I install it I would like to hear how others have liked it. Thanks in advance for your input.
I'm guessing it's a piece of junk like most of the other free PDF converters.
EDIT: You could try it out for yourself to see how good a job it does with some example PDF files, but as with any free software download, do your own virus check on it before attempting to install or run it. Most antivirus software installs a right-click option in your OS, so you can right click on the downloaded installer program and check it that way before running it. I'm ultra cautious about this and so far have never gotten a virus from any downloaded freebie software, and have caught a few trojan horses that way.
Hi.
Usually these programs offer, in trial versions, just a few pages conversions. I have been considering an annual subscription for $ 20, from Adobe. I'm ultra cautious too, (but there was a time when not). [:(]
Thanks Rosie. I usually don't even download something unless I have a recommendation from someone I trust. Running a virus check is certainly a god policy even then.
edit: i also feel that any search with the word free involved is almost always going to give a whole list of questionable sites. (Being cheap, it's a difficult temptation to pass up)
After seeing this post I downloaded the freebie. I installed it and used it to convert a set of 20 pdf files created from scanned pages to Word. It converted all in under 20 seconds. Examining the results I find that if the pdf was crisp and clean, I got an excellent word doc file. In two cases the pdf were made from a very light paper input and were of poor quality. The output was useless. I next converted a professionally created pdf that contained lots of pictures. It was great. This is not a piece of junk. However I am unclear from the web site if the free download will continue to function after March 14th when the cutoff on the giveaway. It is worth a look.
I downloaded and tried this. It is a nice piece of software. It does exactly what it says it does and it's fast.
Of note however, it converts only to .doc 97-2003 format for Word. So you will have to use Word to convert to .docx before doing any PBB conversions. (Unless my understanding of the PBB requirements are wrong)
However I am unclear from the web site if the free download will continue to function after March 14th when the cutoff on the giveaway. It is worth a look.
I decided to try it, and it worked pretty well. When you first install it, it says you have so many conversions. But if you install the serial number on their website, it seems to be a fully registered program that will continue indefinately. (I would guess you will soon get an offer for an updated version that converts directly to docx, or some other program that they offer. But I am only guessing. The freebe must be intended to introduce their software to people.)
It does convert to .doc not docx, so a pdf would not quite be ready to compile into a PB. Probably not as goood as what one could buy from Adobe, but still a very useful and generous program. Nice freebie, especially for a Logos user on a budget.
Thanks for the insight, Michael. I was hoping that was the case. They actually hit me with an ad to upgrade before I left their website. That was what got me confused. I'm OK with it converting to Word 97 doc. To convert most files to a PBB I would have to edit it with headings, etc anyway. It is a simple matter to save it after editing as a docx. Also the newer versions of Word convert the 97 Word files to their format when you open them.
Any restriction on the size / number of files to convert?
It didn't really do a nice job for me. I had a pdf with three columns. The word doc was completely useless. Every line of the column was put in a little text box and the three columns did overlap each other. Also letters disappeared. I don't think I will ever use it.
I'm guessing it's a piece of junk like most of the other free PDF converters. EDIT: You could try it out for yourself to see how good a job it does with some example PDF files, but as with any free software download, do your own virus check on it before attempting to install or run it. Most antivirus software installs a right-click option in your OS, so you can right click on the downloaded installer program and check it that way before running it. I'm ultra cautious about this and so far have never gotten a virus from any downloaded freebie software, and have caught a few trojan horses that way.
I tried it on a couple of different documents and Rosie's "junk" identifier is accurate. I deleted the program less than 30 minutes after installing it
Now the question is how it is possible that some call it junk and other like it. Something wrong with the PDFs?
Something wrong with the PDFs?
Depends on PDF since a PDF can have text and/or images of text.
Keep Smiling [:)]
It would seem the more complicated the pdf the more editing the result will take. Hey, it's free if anyone wants to use it. I suspect someone will be glad to have it since so many public domanin resources are in pdf. Many are simple once column pages. I have no interest in defending the freebie or attacking it.
I note the criticism of the output from multiple column pdf documents. Does anyone know of a pdf converter that handles multiple columns smoothly without the need of editing? I have bought programs that are no better than this freebie at it. I would be interested in knowing of a really good one so that I can purchase it.
That would be a great help in making personal books.
