Create PDF Files from Any Windows Application

Not many people know this, but a PDF file is a slightly converted form of PostScript, which Windows already knows how to create. The final step is turning your postscript into a PDF. In the last couple years several PDF converters have been created. Some commercial, some not.

Steps

  1. Download a PDF printer.
  2. Install it.
  3. It will create a virtual printer, a fake printer that will show up inside your File > Print dialog.
  4. Reboot your machine if requested by the pdf printer.
  5. Open up any printing capable application.
  6. Choose File then Print.
  7. Instead of your default printer, choose the pdf printer you installed.
  8. At the prompt, choose whether you want a screen, print or press quality PDF.
  9. If your document contains only text, it won't make much difference which size, but if it contains pictures and you need your PDF to be small enough to email, choose the screen quality option.

Tips

  • Many applications have a "print" icon button which will print automatically to the default printer. Always choose file then print so you can choose the PDF virtual printer.
  • Don't be upset if you have to make the PDF a few times. It's difficult to know how each page will look when converted.
  • Check the "advanced" options of your print dialog to see other options for paper size, margins etc.
  • Once your PDF is created, always save your original document so you can print again in case of mistakes.
  • Keep PDF files you plan to email or offer on the internet under a couple megs at the most. Good sizes for email are around 300kb.
  • Before expecting a commercial printer can print your PDF files on a printing press, request that they test your file first.
  • If you are printing a newsletter for printing, make sure and use the print quality option when making the PDF so the images included (if any) will retain their sharpness.
  • If you see any kind of font garble such as strange characters, try using a different font in your document, it may not be display or print friendly.
  • before distributing your PDF to the masses, print out one or more pages to make sure everything is kosher.
  • If you already have Adobe Acrobat, it is not necessary to get another PDF print driver. Adobe Acrobat comes with a PDF printer driver that you can install and set up as a virtual printer such that you can "print to PDF" in most Windows print dialogs.

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