I thought I’d post this here as well, for anyone else who might want this as a resource. I gave this to my students on Blackboard as a resource for converting files to .pdf format. Also, if any readers know other options, please comment so that I can add them to the resource. Thanks!
I’ve mentioned in class the importance of sending some documents in .pdf format instead of .doc or other formats.
The benefits of doing so include:
1. No one else can change the document
2. You won’t lose formatting because of different versions of Word or different operating systems
3. You won’t lose fonts if you use a font someone else doesn’t have
4. Squiggly lines for spelling and grammar won’t show up when someone else looks at your document
5. Everyone can read a pdf file, whereas some people don’t use MS Word
There are various ways of creating PDF files:
If you use a Macintosh: go to Print and click on “PDF” or “Print to PDF” in the print box.
If you use a PC:
1. Many computers in the labs on campus have Adobe Acrobat Professional that you can use. The drawback of this is that if you have formatting a document or use fonts that these computers don’t have, you might lose formatting and have to fix that before converting to pdf.
2. PDFonline has a program that you can either buy or download a free trial of to convert documents to pdf: http://www.pdfonline.com/
3. PrimoPDF has a free program you can download for conversion. Additionally, they have an online system where you can upload documents to convert if you do not want to download their program: http://www.primopdf.com/
4. Pdf995 has a program that will install a printer driver into your computer so that when you go to print a document, you can create a pdf file. This download is free: http://www.pdf995.com/
5. If you’re into spending the big bucks and want other professional software, Adobe has some software, including Adobe Acrobat Professional for creating pdf files: http://www.adobe.com/ If you are looking at Adobe software, you might try to go to the bookstore and see if they have the product with student discounts.
EDIT: From here (a site I had forgotten about but just came across on my del.icio.us), I am adding these resources:
• Combine PDFs (Mac, for manipulating PDF docs)
• Foxit Reader (PC)
• PDF Creator (PC)
• PDF Lab (Mac, for manipulating PDF docs)
• PDF Split and Merge (PC)
• Skim PDF Reader and Note-taker (Mac)
Someone also emailed me to remind me that Google Docs could be used to create PDFs (though I don’t like Google Docs’s lack of formatting abilities). Also, check out comments to this post for other suggestions.
I wonder about the accessibility of PDF’s vs. Word Doc’s for folks who use screen readers….?
Eric,
That’s a great point I hadn’t even considered (you are always pointing out my ableism). I checked out this site which seems to adequately explain that PDFs are readable by screen readers, it’s just more difficult to make them readable. From their text:
When I discussed this with my students, it was mostly in respects to résumés — documents which are important to look polished, so the changes in formatting and fonts, and even the squiggly lines, can be distracting to someone who reads a résumé emailed to them and might inadvertently disqualify someone from a position.
Another great program for creating PDF files is Solid PDF Creator.
This program is free with a nag screen, but creates great pdf files using a printer driver format. You simply choose the option to print from your document, and choose the program as the printer and your pdf will be created. No additional things need be installed like some other programs.
If you are looking for a simple way to make PDF files readable by a screen reader, Solid Converter PDF to Word will allow you to turn your PDF file into a word document, which I understand most screen readers don’t have much difficulty with. The limitation is usually on e-books as they usually are protected with security that does not allow them to be accessed/converted.
Solid Documents is happy to offer discounts to students/teachers. Contact me for more info. Also, click here to find out how to get free screen capture software for students and teachers.
Laura B
Customer Service
Solid Documents, LLC
http://www.soliddocuments.com
laurab@soliddocuments.com
Thanks Laura.
I fixed your “click here” like so that it worked, but you provided links that aren’t linked. I’ll try to check out the service sometime.