Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

CutePDF VS Ghostscript

Compare CutePDF VS Ghostscript and see what are their differences

CutePDF logo CutePDF

CutePDF is a simple but entirely powerful PDF files creator, converter, and virtual printer.

Ghostscript logo Ghostscript

Documentation.
  • CutePDF Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-12
  • Ghostscript Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-29

CutePDF features and specs

  • Free Version
    CutePDF offers a free version that allows users to create PDF files without having to pay for the software.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that makes it simple for users of all levels to create PDFs.
  • Lightweight
    CutePDF is a lightweight application that does not consume a lot of system resources, making it suitable for older and less powerful computers.
  • Compatibility
    CutePDF is compatible with a wide range of Windows operating systems, making it accessible to a large user base.
  • Printer Driver
    The software installs as a printer driver, allowing users to create PDFs from any application that supports printing.

Possible disadvantages of CutePDF

  • Limited Features in Free Version
    The free version of CutePDF lacks advanced features such as editing and converting PDFs, which are available in the paid version.
  • Ad-Supported Installer
    The installer for the free version includes third-party software offers, which can be intrusive if not carefully unchecked during installation.
  • No MacOS Support
    CutePDF is only available for Windows, leaving MacOS users without a supported version.
  • No Direct Customer Support
    Users of the free version have limited access to customer support, as priority support is reserved for paying customers.
  • Basic Output Quality Options
    The software provides only basic options for output quality and settings, which might not meet the needs of professional users requiring more precision.

Ghostscript features and specs

  • Open Source
    Ghostscript is released under an open-source license, which means it is available for free and can be modified to suit individual needs.
  • PDF and PS Compatibility
    It supports a wide range of PDF and PostScript documents, providing robust rendering capabilities for different file types.
  • Cross-platform
    Ghostscript runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility and accessibility across platforms.
  • Command-line Tool
    It operates as a command-line tool, enabling automation and integration into larger workflows and scripts for batch processing.
  • Extensive Documentation
    Ghostscript offers comprehensive documentation that supports users in understanding and utilizing its extensive features effectively.

Possible disadvantages of Ghostscript

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For users who are not familiar with command-line interfaces or the specifics of PDF and PostScript formats, it can be difficult to learn.
  • Limited GUI Support
    While powerful as a command-line tool, Ghostscript lacks an intuitive graphical user interface, which may limit its accessibility for non-technical users.
  • Performance
    Processing large or complex documents can be resource-intensive and may result in slower performance, depending on the system's capabilities.
  • Complex Configuration
    Ghostscript requires detailed configuration for certain operations, which can be challenging without sufficient technical expertise.
  • Dependency on External Libraries
    It may rely on additional libraries for certain functionalities, and ensuring compatibility can sometimes be problematic during updates or installation on different systems.

Analysis of CutePDF

Overall verdict

  • Yes, CutePDF is generally considered a good tool for users who need a free and simple solution for PDF creation. It achieves its core function reliably and has maintained a positive reputation among casual users and professionals who require basic PDF solutions.

Why this product is good

  • CutePDF is well-regarded for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to convert documents into PDF format quickly and without unnecessary complications. The software is lightweight, doesn't require a lot of resources, and has a straightforward installation process. Additionally, CutePDF offers a basic but effective set of features needed for creating and managing PDF files without overwhelming users with overly complex options.

Recommended for

    CutePDF is recommended for individuals and small businesses that require a no-frills, straightforward application for creating PDFs. It's particularly suitable for users who might not need advanced editing or additional features offered by more comprehensive PDF software suites.

CutePDF videos

Adobe Acrobat Alternatives: CutePDF

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to use CutePDF Writer Part 1

Ghostscript videos

How to RIP Halftones FREE using Ghostscript - part 1

More videos:

  • Review - Print Color Separations With Ghostscript - SEPARATIONS WITHOUT A RIP
  • Review - Web Hacking Pro Tips #4 with Jason Haddix: Ghostscript

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to CutePDF and Ghostscript)
PDF Editor
59 59%
41% 41
PDF Tools
66 66%
34% 34
Office & Productivity
49 49%
51% 51
PDF Creator
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing CutePDF and Ghostscript, you can also consider the following products

ApowerPDF - ApowerPDF is a versatile PDF editor which also features as PDF converter, viewer, creator and more. It provides a perfect solution for all users.

Icecream Apps PDF Editor - Excellent powerful tool to edit PDF, annotate PDF, redact, protect and more.

Bullzip PDF Printer - Free PDF Printer - Create PDF documents from Windows applications. Supports Citrix, Terminal Server, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, Vista, 2008R2, 2008, 2003, and 2000. Works with 32 and 64 bit systems.

PDF Reader Pro - PDF Reader Pro is an all-in-one PDF office supporting to Read, Annotate, Edit, OCR, Convert, Create & Fill Form, Sign PDFs, TTS on Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows.

Classic PDF Editor - View, Create, Convert and Edit PDF Files

SwifDoo PDF - Looking for methods to edit, merge, split, convert, rotate, annotate and other related manipulate on PDF? SwifDoo PDF will match your needs and handle most of your PDF-related jobs.