# CubePDF
**Wikidata**: [Q17987943](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17987943)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cubepdf

## Summary
CubePDF is a virtual printer software application that simulates a printer driver to generate PDF documents and other printable files without requiring physical hardware. It is an open-source tool licensed under the Apache License, with a development history spanning from July 2010 to May 2021. The software is available for Windows operating systems and is distributed via its official website and the Chocolatey package manager.

## Key Facts
- **Software Type:** Virtual printer (simulated device resembling a printer driver) and computer software.
- **License:** Apache License (referenced in 2019).
- **Initial Release:** Version 0.9.1 released on July 27, 2010.
- **Latest Recorded Version:** Version 3.1.4 released on May 21, 2021.
- **Source Repository:** Hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf`.
- **Websites:** `https://www.cube-soft.jp/cubepdf/` and `https://www.cube-soft.jp/`.
- **Package Management:** Available via Chocolatey with the package ID `cubepdf`.
- **Wikipedia Coverage:** Has a Wikipedia page in the Japanese language (sitelink count: 1).
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.
- **Dependencies:** Depends on software identified by Wikidata ID Q1135839.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** `/g/1q6g0v20l`.

## FAQs
**What is the primary function of CubePDF?**
CubePDF functions as a virtual printer, allowing users to convert documents into PDF or other printable formats digitally by simulating a printer driver within the operating system.

**Under what license is CubePDF distributed?**
The software is distributed under the Apache License, as confirmed by source code repository data referenced in 2019.

**Where can CubePDF be downloaded or accessed?**
CubePDF can be downloaded from its official website at `cube-soft.jp`, cloned from its GitHub repository, or installed through the Chocolatey community package manager using the ID `cubepdf`.

**What is the development history of CubePDF?**
Development began in 2010 with the release of version 0.9.1. The project has undergone numerous updates, including major version shifts from 0.9.x to 1.x, 2.x, and 3.x, with releases recorded as late as May 2021.

## Why It Matters
CubePDF plays a significant role in digital workflows by bridging the gap between digital content creation and document archiving. As a virtual printer, it eliminates the need for physical hardware to produce shareable documents, which is essential for modern paperless environments. By integrating with the operating system as a printer subclass, it allows any application with print functionality to generate PDFs, enhancing interoperability and document management. Its open-source nature under the Apache License also provides transparency and flexibility for users and developers, distinguishing it from proprietary alternatives.

## Notable For
- **Extensive Version History:** The software has a detailed release log with over 30 recorded versions between 2010 and 2021, demonstrating active maintenance and feature evolution.
- **Open Source Implementation:** It is a notable example of virtual printer technology distributed under the Apache License, allowing for community inspection and modification.
- **Ecosystem Integration:** It is recognized within the broader category of computer peripherals and operating system facets, and is listed alongside tools like PDFCreator and PrimoPDF.
- **Japanese Localization:** It is distinct for having a dedicated Japanese Wikipedia entry, highlighting its specific regional usage and documentation.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
CubePDF is a software application classified as a "virtual printer." It operates as a simulated device that mimics the functionality of a physical printer driver. Unlike hardware peripherals, CubePDF allows users to "print" documents into digital formats, such as PDF, directly from the operating system. It is recognized as a subclass of printer and a facet of operating systems, ensuring compatibility with any software capable of sending print commands.

### Technical Profile
The software is identified by the Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/1q6g0v20l` and is categorized as copyrighted software. It relies on external software dependencies, specifically identified in Wikidata as Q1135839. CubePDF is accessible via its official website (`https://www.cube-soft.jp/cubepdf/`) and its parent domain (`https://www.cube-soft.jp/`). The source code is publicly hosted on GitHub under the repository `cube-soft/Cube.Pdf`, which is recognized as a code host (Wikidata ID Q364) and development platform (Wikidata ID Q186055).

### Distribution and Availability
In addition to direct downloads from its official website, CubePDF is distributed through the Chocolatey package manager for Windows, where it is listed under the package ID `cubepdf`. The project has a notable presence on Wikipedia, specifically within the Japanese language sphere (sitelink count: 1), and is referenced in academic contexts and Wikidata (Wikidata ID Q15241312 for "Virtual printer").

### Development Timeline and Releases
CubePDF has a robust history of updates and version releases, indicating sustained development over a decade.

**Early Development (2010):**
- **0.9.1** (2010-07-27): Initial recorded release.
- **0.9.2 to 0.9.2.4** (2010-09-26 to 2010-11-25): Rapid iterative updates.
- **0.9.3 to 0.9.3.1** (2010-12-13 to 2010-12-15): End of year updates.

**Version 0.9.x Era (2011):**
- **0.9.9** (2011-04-27) through **0.9.9.5** (2011-10-18): Continued refinement of the 0.9 branch.

**Version 1.x and 2.x Transition (2018):**
- A significant jump occurred in 2018 with the release of versions **1.0.1**, **1.1.0**, **1.2.0**, **1.3.0**, **1.3.1**, and **1.4.1** on May 28, 2018.
- Development accelerated later that year with versions **2.10.0** (2018-06-26) through **2.13.2** (2018-12-10).

**Stabilization and Expansion (2019 - 2020):**
- **2019:** Saw multiple releases including **2.13.0**, **2.13.1** (referenced retroactively), **2.14.0**, **2.14.1**, **2.15.0**, **2.16.0**, **2.16.1**, **2.17.0**, **2.18.0**, and **2.18.1**.
- **2020:** Included releases **2.18.2** (2020-04-08) and **2.20.0** (2020-07-07).

**Recent History (2021):**
- **3.1.4** (2021-05-21): The most recent version recorded in the provided source material.

### Related Concepts
CubePDF is fundamentally built upon the concept of the **virtual printer**. This concept is described as a simulated device used to generate print output without physical hardware, first appearing in academic contexts in 2013. Virtual printers, including CubePDF, are part of the broader category of computer peripherals and are closely related to software tools such as Xelo PDF, PDFCreator, and PrimoPDF. They are essential for creating PDFs and managing digital documents across various devices and operating systems.

## References

1. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf)
2. [Release 0.9.1. 2010](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.1)
3. [Release 0.9.2. 2010](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.2)
4. [Release 0.9.2.1. 2010](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.2.1)
5. [Release 0.9.2.2. 2010](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.2.2)
6. [Release 0.9.2.3. 2010](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.2.3)
7. [Release 0.9.2.4. 2010](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.2.4)
8. [Release 0.9.3. 2010](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.3)
9. [Release 0.9.3.1. 2010](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.3.1)
10. [Release 0.9.9. 2011](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.9)
11. [Release 0.9.9.1. 2011](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.9.1)
12. [Release 0.9.9.2. 2011](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.9.2)
13. [Release 0.9.9.3. 2011](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.9.3)
14. [Release 0.9.9.4. 2011](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.9.4)
15. [Release 0.9.9.5. 2011](https://github.com/cube-soft/CubePdf/releases/tag/0.9.9.5)
16. [Release 1.0.1. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/1.0.1)
17. [Release 1.1.0. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/1.1.0)
18. [Release 1.2.0. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/1.2.0)
19. [Release 1.3.0. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/1.3.0)
20. [Release 1.3.1. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/1.3.1)
21. [Release 1.4.1. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/1.4.1)
22. [Release 2.10.0. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.10.0)
23. [Release 2.10.1. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.10.1)
24. [Release 2.10.2. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.10.2)
25. [Release 2.10.3. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.10.3)
26. [Release 2.11.0. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.11.0)
27. [Release 2.12.0. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.12.0)
28. [Release 2.13.2. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.13.2)
29. [Release 2.15.0. 2019](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.15.0)
30. [Release 2.13.0. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.13.0)
31. [Release 2.13.1. 2018](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.13.1)
32. [Release 2.14.0. 2019](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.14.0)
33. [Release 2.14.1. 2019](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.14.1)
34. [Release 2.16.0. 2019](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.16.0)
35. [Release 2.16.1. 2019](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.16.1)
36. [Release 2.17.0. 2019](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.17.0)
37. [Release 2.18.0. 2019](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.18.0)
38. [Release 2.18.1. 2019](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.18.1)
39. [Release 2.18.2. 2020](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.18.2)
40. [Release 2.20.0. 2020](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/2.20.0)
41. [Release 3.1.4. 2021](https://github.com/cube-soft/Cube.Pdf/releases/tag/3.1.4)
42. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/cube-soft/CubePdf)