Download Nitro PDF – Free PDF Tool for Internet Explorer

Overview

Nitro PDF is a lightweight, free browser plug‑in built specifically for Internet Explorer users who need a fast, reliable way to handle PDF files while surfing the web. The extension lives right inside the IE toolbar, giving instant access to a set of tools that let you download PDFs with a single click, convert any web page into a high‑quality PDF, and even email the generated PDF directly from the browser. What sets Nitro PDF apart is its emphasis on simplicity: no bulky installers, no subscription fees, and a straightforward interface that even non‑technical users can master in minutes. The plug‑in also offers a modest set of customization options—such as page orientation, margins, and header/footer settings—so you can tailor the final document to suit your personal or business needs. Whether you’re a researcher gathering academic papers, a marketer archiving campaign assets, or a casual user who just wants to keep a copy of an online receipt, Nitro PDF delivers a secure, hassle‑free experience that keeps your files organized and readily accessible.

Key Features

• One‑Click PDF Download: Instantly save any PDF linked on a web page to your hard drive without leaving IE.
• Save Web Page as PDF: Convert the current page—including images, styling, and hyperlinks—into a printable PDF document.
• Email PDF Directly: Send the generated PDF to any email address straight from the toolbar, eliminating the need for external mail clients.
• Customizable Layout: Adjust page size, orientation, margins, and header/footer content before conversion.
• Secure Storage: All downloaded files are saved to a user‑defined folder, ensuring privacy and easy retrieval.
• Lightweight Installation: The plug‑in adds only a few megabytes to your browser footprint, preserving IE’s performance.
• Automatic Updates: Periodic, silent updates keep the tool compatible with the latest web standards and security patches.

Installation & Usage Instructions

Step‑by‑Step Installation

Downloading and installing Nitro PDF is as straightforward as the tool itself. First, click the Download Nitro PDF button on the official site. The installer file (a .exe package) will appear in your default downloads folder.

Double‑click the file, accept the license agreement, and follow the on‑screen prompts. The installer automatically detects Internet Explorer and adds the Nitro PDF icon to the toolbar. Once the process completes, restart IE to activate the plug‑in.

How to Use the Plug‑in

After restarting IE, locate the blue Nitro PDF icon next to the address bar. Clicking the icon reveals a small dropdown with three primary actions: Download PDF, Save Page as PDF, and Email PDF. To download a PDF, simply right‑click any PDF link on a web page and choose “Save with Nitro PDF.” The file will be stored in the default folder you set during installation (you can change this folder later via the Settings menu). To convert a page, click the icon while viewing the page you wish to capture, select “Save Page as PDF,” adjust any layout options that appear, and press “Create.” The PDF will open in your default viewer, and you can immediately share it via email by selecting the “Email PDF” option and entering the recipient’s address. The entire workflow is designed to keep you within the browser, eliminating the need to open separate applications or navigate away from your current task.

Compatibility and System Requirements

Nitro PDF is engineered for Windows environments that still support Internet Explorer 11 or earlier. The plug‑in runs smoothly on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, provided that the IE browser is enabled. While the tool does not have a native macOS, Android, or iOS version, users on those platforms can still benefit from Nitro PDF’s online services by accessing the web‑based converter on the Nitro website. Minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and at least 20 MB of free disk space for the installation files. Because the plug‑in integrates directly into IE’s rendering engine, it inherits the same security updates and sandboxing mechanisms that protect the browser, making it a safe choice for corporate environments that mandate strict data handling policies.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Completely free with no hidden subscription fees.
• Seamless integration into Internet Explorer’s toolbar.
• Fast, one‑click PDF download and conversion.
• Customizable output settings for professional‑grade documents.
• Lightweight footprint preserves browser performance.
• Automatic updates keep the tool secure and compatible.

Cons

• Limited to Internet Explorer; no native support for modern browsers like Chrome or Edge.
• Only works on Windows; macOS and mobile users must use the web version.
• Advanced editing features (e.g., OCR, form filling) are absent.
• Interface, while functional, looks dated compared to newer PDF tools.
• Relies on IE’s continued existence, which may be phased out by Microsoft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nitro PDF safe to use with confidential documents?

Yes. The plug‑in stores PDFs locally on your computer and does not upload files to external servers unless you choose the “Email PDF” option, which sends the document through your configured email client. All data remains under your control, and the software adheres to Windows security standards.

Can I change the default download folder?

Absolutely. Open the Nitro PDF Settings menu from the toolbar, navigate to “Storage Options,” and specify any folder on your hard drive. The change takes effect immediately for all subsequent downloads.

Does Nitro PDF support password‑protected PDFs?

The free plug‑in can open and save password‑protected PDFs if you enter the password manually. However, it does not provide advanced features such as removing passwords or encrypting newly created PDFs.

Will the plugin affect IE’s browsing speed?

Because Nitro PDF adds only a minimal amount of code to the toolbar, most users notice no perceptible slowdown. The plug‑in loads asynchronously, meaning it does not block page rendering or navigation.

Is there a paid version with more features?

Nitro offers a full‑featured desktop application called “Nitro Pro” that includes OCR, advanced editing, digital signatures, and batch processing. The browser plug‑in remains free, while Nitro Pro is sold under a separate license.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Overall, Nitro PDF delivers a focused, no‑frills solution for anyone who still relies on Internet Explorer for daily browsing. Its ability to download, convert, and email PDFs directly from the toolbar makes it a time‑saving companion for students, professionals, and casual users alike. While the tool’s browser support is limited and it lacks advanced editing capabilities, its zero‑cost model and ease of use outweigh these drawbacks for its target audience. If you need a quick way to capture online documents without juggling separate applications, download Nitro PDF today and enjoy a smoother PDF workflow.

Click here to download the free Nitro PDF plug‑in and start managing your PDFs with confidence.