diff --git a/setup/extensions.py b/setup/extensions.py
index 17d82f3ff9..c2b8467300 100644
--- a/setup/extensions.py
+++ b/setup/extensions.py
@@ -102,6 +102,7 @@ extensions = [
                     libraries=['podofo'],
                     lib_dirs=[podofo_lib],
                     inc_dirs=[podofo_inc],
+                    optional=True,
                     error=podofo_error),
 
     Extension('pictureflow',