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Creating PDF files

Adobe Reader (and other programs) let you read PDF files. But you need other special software to create PDF files.

I recommend CutePDF Writer (http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp) which is freeware software for Windows machines and is available for download off the internet.

CutePDF installation and use

INSTALLATION

Download and install Ghostscript.
Download and install CutePDF Writer.
Reboot your computer.

CREATING PDFs

Open your original document in whatever program it was made in (e.g. MS Word, MS Publisher, MS Excel, etc).
Go to the print window (usually File >> Print -- but it depends on the program)
In the print window, select the printer named "CutePDF Writer"
Save the PDF document when prompted.

Disclaimer: Ready-Set-Go! consulting is not affiliated with CutePDF in any way. This is only a friendly recommendation about software that we have found useful.

Some alternative PDF tools

I have also found it important, on occassion to merge PDF files together (especially when I need to fax something). PDFtk Builder is a user-friendly version of a program called PDFtk.

PDFtk Builder: angusj.com/pdftkb/

PDF Creator is an alternative to CutePDF that does the same thing, only with more control over resolution and other parameters. I have used PDF Creator when I needed to ensure that images would be output with a specific resolution. PDF Creator is also easier to install than CutePDF since there is no seperate process for GhostScript.

PDF Creator: http://www.pdfforge.org/products/pdfcreator

But I use a Mac!

I am told that Macs can create PDF documents without any extra software being installed. Instead of printing your document, preview it. Then save the resulting PDF document.

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