Create a PDF File

Documents that you upload to a website can be either in their orignal form or in a PDF form. The advantage of being in the original form is that you can later edit and update them. The advantage of sending a document up in a PDF format is that most people will not be able to change it, you are assured that the document will look the way you intended and PDF formats are one of the most common on the Internet. This ensures that most people will be able to read it regardless of the software you used to create the original.

If you want to watch a quick video tutorial, click here. Otherwise, the printed directions are as follows.

How do I create a PDF document?

You must have software that allows you to create it. Select district computer labs have the full version of Adobe Acrobat which enables you to create PDF documents. Keep in mind, that this software is NOT the same as the Adobe Acrobat Reader. However, if you do not have the Adobe Acrobat, you can download a free software package and be ready to create your own PDFs in minutes.

First, download & install the software.

Navigate to the site which hosts the free Cute PDF Writer

First install the Ghost script writer.

• From the left side of the website, click on "Free Converter" When asked if you want to save or run it, click on "Run"

Second, install the CutePDF program.

• From the left side of the website, click on "Free Download" You may choose to run it immediately, or if you want to save it locally, just remember where you put it and run it later (find the file, double-click on it).

Close any pop up windows that you might have encountered after the installation. You will see a new item in your programs list, however, this does not do anything for you - ignore it. This installation has basically created a PDF printer and should be listed in your printer folder.

Second: Create a PDF

From within any application,

1. Click on File
2. Click on Print
3. Select the Cute PDF or Adobe PDF printer.

You will be asked where you want to save this document - be sure to know where you are putting it!

The PDF engines will work for a moment and your PDF will pop up - complete!

Note: If you want to make changes to the PDF, you must go back to the application in which you created the original document, open it, make those changes, and repeat the process of creating a PDF.