How to Add a Virtual PDF Printer to Your Windows Software Using a Royalty-Free SDK
Meta Description:
Need to add "Print to PDF" to your Windows app? Here's how I did it using VeryPDF's Virtual PDF Printer Driver SDKno royalties, no headaches.
Every client request started sounding the same:
"Can I print this as a PDF?"
And every time, I had to explain that no, the app didn't support ityet.
That was a problem.
I build custom database apps, mostly in Visual Basic and C#. Some of my clients run on Terminal Server setups, others on local machines. One day, a long-time client said, "Look, I need this feature. Our reports need to go out in PDF. We don't want users fiddling with printers."
That kicked off the search.
I tried integrating various PDF libraries, even dabbled with using Office automation hacks. What a mess. Either it bloated the app or required extra installs, or worseusers still had to hit "Save As" manually.
Then I found VeryPDF Virtual PDF Printer Driver SDK. And it changed everything.
What Is It?
VeryPDF's Virtual PDF Printer SDK is exactly what it sounds like:
A royalty-free PDF printer driver that developers can drop into Windows software.
You install it silently, brand it however you like, and boomyour app can print to PDF like a pro.
It works with Windows XP through Windows 11, on both 32- and 64-bit systems.
Supports C/C++, VB, .NET, Delphi, FoxProyou name it.
And yes, it works beautifully even on Terminal Server or Citrix environments.
Why I Picked This Over the Others
Let's not sugarcoat itmost so-called "PDF SDKs" either:
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Require weird dependencies
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Force users through clunky save dialogs
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Cost an arm and a leg in licensing
VeryPDF's SDK?
No royalties. Full control. Fast. Lightweight. Silent install. And it just works.
Here's How I Used It
Client situation: Inventory reports from an Access database, output as PDF, auto-saved into a shared folder.
What I needed:
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Auto-save to a specific folder
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No user interaction
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Silent PDF generation
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Easy deployment via installer script
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Works across dozens of machines
VeryPDF delivered all of that.
I installed the virtual printer silently with our MSI deployment.
Configured the ini file to auto-save PDFs into the desired path, using filename tokens like customername_date_time.pdf.
Set it to hide the UI completely.
Now when my app calls PrintDocument, it just happens.
PDF gets saved.
No popups.
No "choose file name" dialog.
No questions.
Just output.
Features That Stood Out
1. Royalty-Free Distribution
That's a big one.
Most SDKs will drain your budget the more users you support.
With VeryPDF, I integrated once, and that's it.
2. Silent Install + Auto Config
Using our internal deployment tools, we push the driver across our customer's network.
No clicks, no admin work.
PDF output folder? Auto-configured.
Printer name? Customised.
Easy.
3. Works with Literally Any Windows App
Because it acts as a printer, it works with Word, Excel, custom software, legacy appswhatever can print.
That means zero changes to the end-user workflow.
They just print like usual, and we intercept the job and turn it into a polished PDF.
Compared to Other Tools
I tried another SDK that had a PDF generation API.
The catch? I had to build the document programmatically.
Every font, every margin, every line.
I'm not here to be a typesetter.
VeryPDF's approachhook into the print systemlet me skip all that.
No need to change the UI or code structure of the app.
It feels native.
Who Should Use This?
If you're a:
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Windows software developer
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Enterprise IT team managing reports and invoices
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SaaS provider that needs secure, branded PDFs
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Developer building tools in Access, VB, or .NET
This SDK saves you time.
Also perfect for:
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Apps on Terminal Server/Citrix
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Multi-language environments
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Legacy systems that need modern PDF support
Real Talk: Why This Matters
Your users don't care how fancy your backend is.
They care if they can hit "Print" and get a clean, shareable PDF.
Fast. No hassle.
This SDK gives you that.
I'd highly recommend this to anyone who needs to add "Print to PDF" into their appwithout reinventing the wheel.
Click here to try it out for yourself:
Start your free trial now and boost your productivity.
Need a Custom Build?
Got a specific requirement that the base SDK doesn't cover?
VeryPDF offers custom development services tailored to your platform and tech stack.
Whether you're on Windows, Linux, macOS, or something more exotic, they've got you.
They work with Python, C++, JavaScript, .NET, PHP, and more.
Need to intercept print jobs?
Deploy PDF solutions in the cloud?
Add OCR, barcode, or digital signature support?
VeryPDF can handle it.
They even build Virtual Printer Drivers, document form generators, PDF optimisers, and print monitors.
From file access hooks to PDF/A converters, they're deep in the weeds of document automation.
You can reach out to them directly to discuss a custom solution:
http://support.verypdf.com/
FAQ
1. Can I integrate this SDK into my VB.NET application?
Absolutely. It supports VB.NET, C#, J#, and older VB6 or Access apps.
2. Does it support silent installation for enterprise deployment?
Yes. You can install the virtual printer without user interaction using command-line options.
3. Can I control the PDF filename and output path programmatically?
Yes. You can configure filename templates and paths using config files or registry keys.
4. Does it work on Windows Server or Citrix environments?
100%. It's built to support Terminal Server and Citrix out of the box.
5. Is the SDK truly royalty-free?
Yes. Once licensed, you can redistribute it within your software without paying per-install fees.
Tags / Keywords
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Virtual PDF Printer SDK
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Add Print to PDF in Windows Apps
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Royalty-Free PDF SDK
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Silent PDF Printer Driver
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VeryPDF Virtual Printer Integration