Software
The Acrobat PDFMaker Office COM Addin download lets you convert emails to PDFs directly from Outlook—no extra clicks or desktop detours.
Ever wasted time bouncing between apps just to save an email as a PDF? This addin cuts that out, but only if you’ve got the right version.
Below, I’ll show you where to grab the official download, how to install it in 5 minutes, and what to do if your Office version resists it.
Where to download the official Acrobat PDFMaker Office COM addin for Outlook
The Acrobat PDFMaker Office COM Addin lets you convert Outlook emails, Word docs, and Excel sheets to PDFs directly from Microsoft Office. But with so many download sources, how do you avoid fake versions or outdated files?
I’ll show you the safest ways to get the official addin, including direct links and verification steps to ensure you’re installing the right version 2023.008.20065 or newer.
Adobe no longer bundles PDFMaker with every Acrobat installation, so you’ll need to download it separately. The key is to stick to Adobe’s official site or the Microsoft Store—third-party sites often host malware or older versions.
Below, I’ve compared the safest download methods, including file size, compatibility, and security checks.
| Source | Download Link | File Size | Version Check | Security Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Official Site | PDFMaker for Office (Direct Link) | ~120MB (64-bit) | Yes (Version 2023.008.20065+) | Low (Adobe’s servers) |
| Microsoft Store | PDFMaker Add-in for Office | ~95MB (32/64-bit) | Yes (Auto-updates) | Low (Microsoft verification) |
| Third-Party Sites | Avoid (e.g., Softonic, CNET) | Varies (often outdated) | No (Fake versions) | High (Malware risk) |
For the most reliable download, use Adobe’s official site. The direct link above points to the latest PDFMaker 2023 version, which supports Outlook 2016/2019/2021 and Office 365. Always verify the file’s SHA-256 hash (provided on Adobe’s download page) to match the one you download. This ensures no tampering.
If you prefer the Microsoft Store version, it’s also safe but may lag behind Adobe’s updates. Check the version number in the Store listing—it should match or exceed 2023.008.20065. The Store version auto-updates, but some users report occasional compatibility issues with newer Outlook builds.
Never download PDFMaker from third-party sites like Softonic or CNET, even if they claim to offer "free" versions. These often bundle adware or spyware. I’ve seen fake PDFMaker installers that install browser hijackers—always stick to Adobe or Microsoft’s official channels.
After downloading, save the file to your Downloads folder or a secure location. Rename it to something like PDFMaker_Official.exe to avoid confusion with pirated copies. Double-check the file extension—it should be .exe, not .zip or .msi from unofficial sources.
Pro tip: If you’re using Windows 10/11, enable SmartScreen in Windows Defender to block untrusted installers. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > App & Browser Control and set it to Warn or Block unrecognized apps.
Once downloaded, run the installer as Administrator. You’ll need admin rights to register the COM addin in Outlook. The installer will guide you through the process, but I’ll cover the full installation steps in the next section—including how to enable the Save As PDF button in Outlook’s ribbon.
Remember: Adobe’s official download page is your best bet for avoiding malware or outdated versions. Bookmark the link above for future updates, and always verify file integrity before installing any Office addin.
How to install and configure PDFMaker Office COM addin in Outlook
The Acrobat PDFMaker Office COM Addin lets you save emails and attachments as PDFs directly from Outlook, but installation can trip up even tech-savvy users. I’ll walk you through the process—including registry tweaks and troubleshooting steps—so you can enable the Save As PDF button in minutes.
This guide assumes you’ve already downloaded the official PDFMaker.msi from Adobe’s site.
Before diving in, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements: Windows 10/11 (64-bit), Microsoft Outlook 2013 or later, and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Pro installed.
If you’re missing any of these, the addin will fail silently. Pro tip: Close all Office applications before installing to avoid conflicts.
⚠️ Critical Note: If you encounter COM registration errors later, you may need to manually register the PDFMaker.dll via Command Prompt as Administrator. I’ll cover this in the troubleshooting section.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
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Step 1: Run the Installer
Double-click the downloaded PDFMaker.msi file. Select "Repair" if prompted (this ensures dependencies are intact). Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
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Step 2: Enable the Addin in Outlook
Launch Outlook and go to File > Options > Add-ins. Under "Manage", select "COM Add-ins" and click "Go". Check the box for "Adobe Acrobat PDFMaker" and click "OK".
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Step 3: Verify the Ribbon Button
Open an email or compose a new one. The Save As PDF button should now appear in the Outlook ribbon under the "Share" tab. If it’s missing, proceed to Troubleshooting below.
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Step 4: Registry Tweak (If Needed)
Press Win + R, type regedit, and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\Addins. Ensure the Adobe.PDFMaker key exists. If not, create it manually or reinstall the addin.
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Step 5: Test the Addin
Select an email, click Save As PDF, and choose your PDF settings (e.g., standard or smallest file size). Verify the PDF opens correctly in Adobe Acrobat.
If the Save As PDF button still doesn’t appear, the issue is likely a missing COM registration. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
regsvr32 "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat DC\PDFMaker\PDFMaker.dll"
Replace the path if your Acrobat installation location differs. Restart Outlook afterward.
Pro tip: For Outlook 2016/2019 users, ensure you’re using the 32-bit version of Outlook—the addin won’t work with the 64-bit edition. Check your Outlook version in File > Account Settings > About. If you’re unsure, reinstall the 32-bit Office suite.
Once configured, you’ll save emails as PDFs in one click, preserving formatting and attachments. Need more help? Adobe’s official support page offers additional fixes for stubborn issues. Happy converting! 🖥️