Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Use Microlink’s PDF method to print a page URL and receive a PDF asset URL. In JavaScript, call microlink.pdf(url, options); from another environment, send a GET request to Microlink’s API with the page URL and PDF output enabled. Use embed: 'pdf.url' when you need the PDF itself rather than the usual response containing asset metadata.
Generate a PDF with Microlink’s JavaScript SDK
If your project already uses JavaScript, the SDK provides the most direct documented path. Install the microlink.io package in your project, then call its PDF method:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
import createClient from 'microlink.io'
const microlink = createClient()
const { url } = await microlink.pdf('https://example.com', { format: 'A4' })
console.log(url)The returned url points to the generated PDF asset. Save or pass that URL to the part of your application that needs the document. The example uses A4 paper; you can omit the format option when the documented default is suitable.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
See Microlink’s SDK content methods for the method and its PDF options.
#1 Best Overall
- PORTABLE SCANNER FOR USE ON-THE-GO — The fastest and lightest mobile single-sheet-fed compact document scanner in its class¹
- QUICK DOCUMENT SCANNING ― This Epson ultra-fast scanner scans a single page as quickly as 5.5 seconds²; Windows and Mac compatible
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING ― Portable scanner scans documents up to 8.5 x 72 in; Also easily digitizes receipts and ID cards to make accounting, bookkeeping, and organizing simpler
- INTUITIVE, HIGH-SPEED SOFTWARE — Epson ScanSmart Software³ is a smart tool allowing you to easily scan, review, and save; Stay organized easily with the help of this Epson scanner
- EASY SETUP — USB-powered connect to your computer for quick and simple scanning; No batteries or external power supply required to operate portable document scanner; Standard Connectivity: USB 2.0
Call the PDF API directly over HTTP
Microlink’s API accepts GET requests. Set the target page in the url query parameter and enable PDF generation with pdf. URL-encode the target page when constructing the query string; this matters especially when the page URL itself contains query parameters.
curl -G 'https://api.microlink.io'
--data-urlencode 'url=https://example.com'
--data-urlencode 'pdf=true'The ordinary response is JSON with information about the generated result, including the PDF asset URL. The API overview documents the request pattern and response behavior: Microlink API overview. The PDF-specific parameter is documented at PDF API docs.
Rank #2
- FAST SPEEDS - Scans color and black and white documents a blazing speed up to 16ppm (1). Color scanning won’t slow you down as the color scan speed is the same as the black and white scan speed.
- ULTRA COMPACT – At less than 1 foot in length and only about 1. 5lbs in weight you can fit this device virtually anywhere (a bag, a purse, even a pocket).
- READY WHENEVER YOU ARE – The DS-640 mobile scanner is powered via an included micro USB 3. 0 cable allowing you to use it even where there is no outlet available. Plug it into you PC or laptop and you are ready to scan.
- WORKS YOUR WAY – Use the Brother free iPrint&Scan desktop app for scanning to multiple “Scan-to” destinations like PC, Network, cloud services, Email and OCR. (2) Supports Windows, Mac and Linux and TWAIN/WIA for PC/ICA for Mac/SANE drivers. (3)
- OPTIMIZE IMAGES AND TEXT – Automatic color detection/adjustment, image rotation (PC only), bleed through prevention/background removal, text enhancement, color drop to enhance scans. Software suite includes document management and OCR software. (4)
Return the PDF rather than asset metadata
If the caller needs the generated document directly as the response body, request the PDF URL through Microlink’s embed parameter:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
curl -G 'https://api.microlink.io'
--data-urlencode 'url=https://example.com'
--data-urlencode 'pdf=true'
--data-urlencode 'embed=pdf.url'
-o page.pdfMicrolink documents pdf.url as the generated PDF URL for document downloads. Check the response content and status in your own integration rather than assuming every request produced a valid file. Embed documentation.
Rank #3
- STAY ORGANIZED – Easily convert your paper documents into digital formats like searchable PDF files, JPEGs, and more.Power Consumption : 2.5W or less (Energy Saving Mode: 0.7W). Suggested Daily Volume : 500 scans..Does it contain liquid: no
- CONVENIENT AND PORTABLE –lightweight and small in size, you can take the scanner anywhere from home offices, classrooms, remote offices, and anywhere in between
- HANDLES VARIOUS MEDIA TYPES – Digitize receipts, business cards, plastic or embossed cards, reports, legal documents, and more
- FAST AND EFFICIENT – No technical hurdles or complicated setups here; easily scan both sides of a document at the same time, in color or black-and-white, at up to 12 pages-per-minute, and with a 20 sheet automatic feeder
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY – Works with both Windows and Mac devices, be it laptop or computer
Choose page size, orientation, and print settings
Microlink’s PDF options let you adjust the printed document. These settings control the output request, but they cannot guarantee that every site’s own print stylesheet will produce a clean layout.
| Option | What it controls | Documented detail |
|---|---|---|
format |
Standard paper size | A4 is the default. The SDK reference lists Letter, Legal, Tabloid, Ledger, and A0 through A6. |
landscape |
Page orientation | Set to true for landscape. |
margin |
Whitespace around page content | Accepts a unit-labelled value or an object for individual sides; the SDK reference lists 0.35cm as its default. |
scale |
Rendering zoom | Documented range is 0.1 to 2; the reference lists 0.6 as the default. |
pageRanges |
Pages to include | Use ranges such as 1-5, 8, 11-13. |
width and height |
Custom page dimensions | Use these instead of a standard paper size when needed. |
printBackground |
Background graphics | Set to true to include them. |
For example, a request can combine Letter paper, landscape orientation, different margins on each side, and a page range. Use the exact option names and value shapes supported by the SDK or API documentation for your chosen request style. The SDK reference includes a combined example: SDK methods.
Rank #4
- IRIScan Express, portable scanner : scans color and black and white documents a blazing speed up to 8ppm simplex. Color scanning won’t slow you down as the color scan speed is the same as the black and white scan speed.
- IRIScan Express mobile scanner is powered via an included micro USB 2. 0 cable allowing you to use it even where there is no outlet available. Plug it into you PC or laptop and you are ready to scan. USB cable provided. AC Adapter not provided and not needed.
- IRIScan flatbed scanner uses a simplex scanning mode allows for quick and straightforward scanning of single-sided documents. IRIScan with its full portable features is the ideal document scanners for computers.
- IRIScan document scanner : Versatile scanning capabilities, including scanning to Word, PDF, and Excel formats with companion software provided Readiris OCR
- Receipt scanner and card scanner with Additional features include scanning business cards directly to Outlook, photo scanning, and receipt scanning for efficient document management
Review the result and handle pages that do not print cleanly
- Begin with the simplest request. Use a publicly reachable page and the default paper settings to establish that the URL can be processed.
- Choose how the result is consumed. Use the normal response if your application needs the asset URL and response data; use
embed: 'pdf.url'when your client needs the PDF response itself. - Adjust only the settings the document needs. Change paper size, orientation, margins, scale, page range, or background printing as appropriate.
- Inspect the PDF. Look for clipped text, unexpected blank pages, missing background graphics, and content that only appears after interaction. Site-specific print styles can affect the result.
- Retry or investigate access failures. A page protected by anti-bot systems may not be accessible. Microlink’s API overview says free-plan requests to sites behind anti-bot protection can return
EPROXYNEEDED; its paid-plan flow may retry through a residential proxy. That is not a promise that restricted pages will work.
Microlink says its API can detect when a page needs a headless browser, including client-rendered pages. That does not ensure every interactive or protected page can be captured successfully. API overview.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAccess, latency, and cost considerations
Microlink’s current, undated API overview says the free endpoint needs no API key and allows 25 requests per day. It also states a 99.9% SLA on paid plans. These are figures published by Microlink on its product page; confirm current terms there before relying on them.
Best Value
- Scanner type: Document
- Connectivity technology: USB
- With Auto Scan Mode, the scanner automatically detects what you're scanning
- Digitize documents and images
The same page lists P95 latency of 2.8 seconds for screenshots and 2.0 seconds for metadata. Those figures do not describe PDF generation and should not be used as a PDF speed estimate. The reviewed official pages do not establish an independent benchmark for PDF accuracy, speed, or fidelity.
Or skip the browser setup
If you need a screenshot rather than a PDF, ScreenshotNeo can return an image or PDF with one GET request. For a PDF response, request PDF output as documented:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://example.com -d format=pdf -o page.pdfSee the ScreenshotNeo documentation for request options. ScreenshotNeo accepts cookie and consent banners before capture and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets; each cleanup step can be turned off. Bot checks and CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits cost nothing, and responses identify the page verdict and billing status. Its MCP server offers take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf for AI agents using Claude, Cursor, or another MCP client. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month without a card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Sign up free for 1,000 screenshots a month, with no card required.
Frequently asked questions
Can Microlink save a page that requires a login?
The documented workflow covers a page URL, but it does not establish that pages requiring authentication or pages protected by access controls will be available. Do not assume a restricted page can be captured.
Does the SDK return a local PDF file?
The documented SDK example returns a URL for the generated PDF asset. Use that URL to retrieve or pass along the document.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
