Shawn's Writing News

How to Make a PDF File

Most of us can receive and open PDF files just fine thanks to Adobe’s free and popular Acrobat Reader program. However, Reader is just that – a reader. You can’t use it to create PDF files. Reader is the viewing program to its sibling, Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Acrobat is used for creating PDF files. It’s loaded with features, allowing you to even create interactive forms. It’s also expensive. For our purposes, we’re not looking for a fully featured program and dynamic PDF forms; we simply want to create a basic PDF file.

For example, what if you have Microsoft Word 2007 and need to distribute a document to the entire membership of a club that you belong to? It’s safe to say that not all members will have Word 2007, but most will have a copy of Adobe Reader. Creating a PDF file would ensure that everyone can view your document.

<b>Creating a PDF File with Word 2007</b>

Fortunately, Word 2007 comes with a built-in utility to create a PDF file! All you need to do is type up your document and then click on the Office button (in the upper left corner), and click Save As > PDF or XPS. Give the file a name and make sure that PDF is selected in the “Save As Type” dropdown, and then click the Publish button. That’s it! You now have a PDF file that you can distribute.

<b>Online PDF Converters</b>

What about if you don’t have Word 2007? Not to worry. Adobe.com offers an online at Acrobat.com that will convert your files into PDF files. However, this does require a monthly subscription. If you simply need to convert one or two files, you may be able to do so by using the free trial subscription.

Another option is to use a free online PDF file conversion service. Several such services exist. Simply enter “free PDF conversion” or similar search terms into a search engine and you should have several possibilities. You will likely need to upload your file to the site’s server and enter your email address. Once converted, the service usually emails the new PDF file directly to you. Depending on the PDF conversion service you select, you may have to abide by certain limits such as file size limits.  

<b>PDF Conversion Utilities</b>

Free PDF conversion software is also available, such as CutePDF Writer, which allow you to convert “printable” files into PDF documents. You may need to also install a PS2PDF converter such as GPL Ghostscript to work in conjunction with the software. If you go this route, keep in mind that freebies often come at a cost (spyware), so only download PDF conversion software from a reputable download site that monitors all software for spyware, viruses, and other potentially dangerous components.

<b>Converting to an RTF File instead of PDF</b>

If none of these options for creating a PDF file appeal to you, consider another option: saving your document as an RTF file. RTF stands for “rich text format” and it is generally readable in any word processor. Unlike plain text files, RTF files retain their formatting. Your document, complete with all its bold headings and carefully italicized words will look just as good in a different word processor as it does in your own word processor.

To save your document as an RTF file, go to File > Save As and choose RTF from the list of supported file types. Now, you have a finished document that is readable in most any word processor.  

About the Author

Celeste Stewart writes for Filetonic.com where you’ll find a huge File Extension Library and loads of free computer advice. You can even write in and “Ask a Tech Jock” for specific answers to your computer questions.

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