MS Print to PDF: How to get a (PDF) filename suggested?

WTenNewbie · 01 Dec 2023

If I try to use the built-in "Microsoft Print to PDF" I get an empty filename box for the to-be-created PDF.

Is there any way to get a suggested PDF filename, especially if there is already an existing filename from the opened file?
Example:
I open a "Let me print this README.txt" in Notepad++ and would like to get a "Let me print this README.pdf".
Is there any setting I could adjust to get this filename suggested rather then type it myself?

(-> This topic is not about alternative tools)

OS: Windows 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045.3693)

dalchina · 01 Dec 2023

Have you tried using the arrow to the right and using the dropdown list?

MS Print to PDF: How to get a (PDF) filename suggested?-untitled.png

WTenNewbie · 01 Dec 2023

In my case this only shows the last created pdf filenames (from different directories).
It does not suggest the currently opened filename.

dalchina · 01 Dec 2023

Thank you very much for your kind reply.

I wasn't going to suggest this as you specifically said you don't want a 3rd party solution, but there we are.

E.g. use a utility that presents you with recent files and folders to select from.
Listary (free and paid) is one such.
I also use another - note the addiitons on the title bar.

spunk · 01 Dec 2023

The Microsoft Print to PDF printer does not have an ability to automatically name PDF files. The user must manually enter in a name for each document they print.
You will need to use a 3rd party app to achieve what you want to do.

How to set PDF filename from apps using Microsoft Print To PDF

joeandmarg0 · 01 Dec 2023

Why not try the built-in Copy and Paste tool ?

Steve C · 02 Dec 2023

The only solution is to expend a few ergs of energy and press keys on your keyboard.

pepanee · 02 Dec 2023

What I would do is right before opening the file in Notepad++, for example, I would click the file, then right-click and press Rename, or press F2 (to rename the file), then CTRL+C, or right click and press Copy on the text of the filename.
Then once you want to Save as PDF, you can press CTRL+V to paste the text, or right click and press Paste.