GitHub hosts an open-source project called clawPDF, which stands out as a powerful virtual printer for Windows, offering a suite of advanced features often reserved for enterprise-level solutions. ClawPDF enables users to create documents in multiple formats, including PDF, PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, PDF/A-3b, PDF/X, PDF/Image, OCR, SVG, PNG, JPEG, TIF, and TXT. It provides easy access to document metadata, which can be removed before sharing to ensure privacy. Additionally, documents can be secured with a password and encrypted using 256-bit AES encryption. One of the standout features of clawPDF is its scripting interface, which supports Python, PowerShell, VBScript, and other popular languages. This interface allows users to automate document creation and integration processes, making it a versatile tool for developers and power users alike. ClawPDF can also be installed on a print server, enabling network printing across multiple devices, beyond just local machines. ClawPDF is designed to support all major Windows operating systems, including x86, x64, and ARM64 architectures, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. It is particularly useful in multi-user environments, where multiple profiles can be managed, and additional printers can be created with specific settings. The latest version, 0.9.3, released on May 16, 2023, further enhances these capabilities. To download the setup file, visit the GitHub releases page: https://github.com/clawsoftware/clawPDF/releases/download/0.9.3/clawPDF_0.9.3_setup.msi Key Features: - Document Formats: Supports printing to PDF, PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, PDF/A-3b, PDF/X, PDF/Image, OCR, SVG, PNG, JPEG, TIF, and TXT. - PDF Compliance: Ensures 100% valid PDF/A-1b, PDF/A-2b, and PDF/A-3b documents. - Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Converts scanned images into editable and searchable text. - Scripting Interface: Facilitates automation through Python, PowerShell, VBScript, etc. - Network Printing: Can be installed on a print server and used across a network. - Merge Files: Allows combining multiple documents into a single file. - Command Line Support: Enables batch processing and silent printing. - Custom Paper Sizes: Supports both custom and standard paper sizes. - Encryption: Protects documents with up to 256-bit AES encryption. - User Interface: Offers both light and dark themes. - Unicode Support: Ensures accurate handling of text in any language. - Profile Management: Supports multiple user profiles with specific settings. - Post Actions: Custom actions can be set to occur after printing. ClawPDF has been tested under a variety of configurations to ensure reliability. Features such as command line support, batch printing, and configuration overwrite capabilities make it a robust solution for both individual and enterprise use. The print job management tools allow for efficient handling of large volumes of documents. ClawPDF adheres to the AGPL v3 license, guaranteeing that it remains free and open-source. The project maintains a transparent development process and acknowledges the contributions of third-party software libraries, including PDFCreator, Pdftosvg.net, iText7, NLog, PdfScribe, and others. Each of these components is licensed under terms that align with clawPDF’s commitment to open-source principles. For those interested in contributing to or extending clawsPDF, the project documentation is comprehensive and includes detailed changelogs and build requirements. The current version, 0.9.3, brings numerous improvements and bug fixes. Users can easily deploy clawPDF using an MSI installer, and the configuration is straightforward, making it accessible to both beginners and experts. If you encounter issues or have suggestions for new features, the community is active and welcoming. With support for 24 languages and the ability to add more translations, clawPDF is a globally accessible tool that caters to a diverse user base. In summary, clawPDF is a highly functional and flexible open-source virtual printer that meets the needs of users ranging from individuals to enterprises. Its robust feature set, combined with ease of use and strong community support, makes it a valuable addition to any Windows-based workflow.