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14

PDFs: Easy to create … and share!

January 14, 2008 |

Sometimes when I’m working with clients, I sense there’s some confusion … and trepidation … about creating files in Portable Document Format (PDF). My suspicion: They think they must have advanced computer technical skills and complicated software to get the job done. Not so!

Creating PDF files is easy, free—and painless. And it’s a great way to share information that everyone can read using the free Adobe Reader. If you’ve been reluctant to learn how—or you’ve been frustrated about where to start—now’s the time to jump in. Here are a few quick hints to get you going.

If you’re using Microsoft Office 2007, there’s a slick little add-in that enables you to create PDFs directly from Office programs, including Word and Excel.  Just hit the “Save As” button and select the PDF option. Get the MS Office 2007 PDF add-in.

There are also several free PDF creation programs out there. pdf995 is a feature-rich suite that enables you to create and edit PDF files. This is my sentimental favorite; it was the first PDF program I used when I first learned how to make my own PDFs a few short years ago. Yes, you are subjected to ads, but you can purchase the ad-free version for less than $20. If you’d prefer a free, basic PDF creation program without ads, consider PrimoPDF.

Both of these programs work by installing a PDF printer driver. Just hit “Print” and select the PDF option. You can name and save the file to the location of your choice. All done!

Want to convert hard copy to PDF? Check out the options on your scanner, copier or multifunction machine; you may be able to hit a button or two and get the job done. My elderly (and soon-to-be-retired) HP scanner offers a copy utility that’s become more ornery than effective. Yet the process is still simple: I hit “Copy,” then print to the PDF printer driver. My hard copy is instantly converted to PDF. I’ll soon be stepping up to a new multifunction machine that makes creating PDFs from paper documents easier than ever.

So don’t be intimidated by the mechanics of creating a PDF. Free software makes the process oh-so-easy. And PDFs can be read by anyone using the free Adobe Reader—no special software needed.

 Just think how impressed all your friends and colleagues will be when you start attaching custom PDFs to your e-mails. And you thought you couldn’t do it!

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