How to print a copy AND a pdf at the same time from any software?

The solution would allow one to generate a .pdf, and a paper copy while the software only sends one job to a single printer. Is it possible to configure Windows print devices to do so?

asked May 19, 2016 at 9:23 73 2 2 silver badges 7 7 bronze badges

4 Answers 4

It may not be possible with Windows on its own, but.

I use PDFCreator 1.7.1 (old version, see note below) in Windows 7. There is Print after saving option. You can choose whether to use specific printer or to query a user with additional dialog. This setting may be saved to a profile.

In case you don't need a paper copy sometimes, you can have separate virtual printers associated with different profiles -- one to generate pdf and to print on paper, another to generate pdf only.

I have found the said option, yet I haven't tested it a lot.
There are newer versions of PDFCreator which may or may not have the option you need. Some time ago 2.x.x didn't have another option I need, so I stuck to the old version.

Download location (older releases here). This software is free (see license).

answered May 24, 2016 at 10:16 Kamil Maciorowski Kamil Maciorowski 77.1k 22 22 gold badges 157 157 silver badges 238 238 bronze badges

I have tested the following combinations: - ver. 1.7.3 on Windows XP: OK, as you said; - ver. 1.9.4 on Windows 7 x64: KO, option is here but I can't select the printers; - ver. 2.3.0 on Windows 7 x64: OK, option is now Actions -> Print document

Commented May 24, 2016 at 13:55

1.7.3 seem to be the last version that was not based on .NET, that makes it a good choice for some modest systems. I have selected your post as acceptedanswer because a free solution is a better one ;-) Thanks