Print Friendly & PDF is a free online tool and browser extension designed to make web pages printer-friendly and convert them to PDF format while allowing customization and removal of unwanted content like ads and navigation bars.printfriendly+2
Overview:
Main Features:
Converts web pages and various file types (Word, Excel, JPG) into clean, editable PDFs.
Removes ads, navigation, headers, and unnecessary sections from web pages before converting or printing.chromewebstore.google+2
Supports PDF compression, editing, signing, merging, splitting, and rotating directly in-browser—no downloadable software required.printfriendly+3
Offers full-page and partial screenshots, which can be saved as PNG, JPG, or PDF.chromewebstore.google
Platform-agnostic: Accessible on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices via online interface or browser extensions.printfriendly
Allows preview before printing/conversion and offers text/image removal and customizable layouts.michigan.umich+1
Syncs preferences and recent files between browser extensions and web app.chromewebstore.google
Use Cases:
Printing academic research, recipes, articles, or professional documents without clutter.
Converting browser content from sites like ChatGPT for sharing, archiving, or presentation.chromewebstore.google
Tutorials & How-To Guides:
Official website provides straightforward user instructions for PDF conversion and file editing.printfriendly+1
The Chrome extension page includes installation and usage videos.printfriendly+1
Blog reviews (e.g., University of Michigan Tech Tip) offer step-by-step screenshots and workflow explanations.michigan.umich
Pros:
Free Core Features: Most functions (web page cleanup, PDF conversion, simple editing) are available free-of-charge.printfriendly+2
No Software Downloads: All tools work online; heavy downloads are unnecessary.printfriendly
Customizable Output: Users can remove unwanted text, images, ads, and even edit page content before saving/printing.printfriendly+2
Accessible Everywhere: Works in any browser and supports multiple operating systems.printfriendly+1
Privacy & Security: Files are processed securely, and only shared if explicitly selected.printfriendly
Extras: Additional PDF tools (compressing, merging, e-signatures) extend utility well beyond basic print/export functions.printfriendly+2
Cons:
Limited Advanced Editing: Deep PDF editing (advanced layouts, batch processing, OCR) is less feature-rich than full desktop apps like Adobe Acrobat.printfriendly
Occasional Formatting Issues: Some web pages with complex dynamic content (heavy JavaScript, interactive components) may not convert perfectly, requiring manual preview/clean-up.michigan.umich
Premium Features: Some PDF tools (e.g., extended editing, larger file handling) may require account registration or paid upgrades.printfriendly+1
Browser Extension Dependency: For the best experience, users must install a browser extension, which may not suit those avoiding browser add-ons.printfriendly+1
Sources and Official Website:
Official website: PrintFriendly.comprintfriendly
Chrome Extension: Print Friendly PDF Chrome Extensionprintfriendly
Feature documentation and tutorials: PDF Tools Overviewprintfriendly
Tech Tip and workflow review: University of Michigan Tech Tipmichigan.umich
Videos & Tutorials:
The Chrome extension page and YouTube feature demo and install guides; search “PrintFriendly PDF tutorial” for recent screencasts.chromewebstore.google+1
Written guides are available on the official site under “How it Works” and “PDF Reader” documentation.printfriendly
- https://www.printfriendly.com/extensions/chrome
- https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/printfriendly-print-pdf-a/ohlencieiipommannpdfcmfdpjjmeolj
- https://www.printfriendly.com/document/pdf-printing-issues-solutions-users
- https://www.printfriendly.com/document/edit-merge-pdfs-free-online-tools
- https://www.printfriendly.com/document/troubleshooting-browser-issues-pdf-forms
- https://www.printfriendly.com
- https://www.printfriendly.com/pdf-tools/pdf-reader
- https://www.printfriendly.com/docs
- https://michigan.it.umich.edu/news/2019/03/27/tech-tip-print-friendly-pdf/
- https://www.printfriendly.com/docs/technology/software
Disclaimer: This overview was researched and curated with the assistance of AI, but reviewed and verified by a human for accuracy and completeness.