In some instances you may want to create a PDF file, for whatever reason. I'll leave the reasoning up to you! However, a common example would be to convert your Microsoft Word document into a PDF file because not everyone has Microsoft Office installed (which you will need in order to open Word documents). You may also want to have downloadable documents on your website and here I think it's best to use PDF files.

PDF stands for Portable Document Format and it's a way of representing documents that is standardized, irrespective of the software, hardware and operating system used by the viewer. In short, it's more convenient to use, compared to application specific documents, like Microsoft Word documents.

The PDF file format was developed in the early '90s and was a proprietary format controlled by Adobe Systems, who developed the format. This was until July 1, 2008, when it was released as an open standard. Okay, so enough of the history - you want to know how to create PDF files, right?

In this short tutorial I will show you how to easily create PDF files. The basic principle of this method is based on a PDF 'printer'. Instead of a traditional printer, which stands on your desk and prints the file onto a piece of paper, this nifty little piece of software 'prints' PDF files to your computer. So, anything that you can print as a document, you'd be able to print into a PDF file.


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lorriebrown3 Premium
Awesome! Thank you much!
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golf1800s Premium
Always a pleasure ;)
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Divine23 Premium
Learned something new ,it was great...a lot of thanks!
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golf1800s Premium
It always feels good to learn something new (and useful)!
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Hudson Premium
Thank you very much for this. I have been looking for this for some time, and really appreciate the concise, clear content,
Regards
Hudson
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golf1800s Premium
Hudson, I'm very glad you appreciated the 'attention to detail'! I tried to keep it simple at the same time though.
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phrx Premium
Excellent overview. I have used the built-in Mac feature for years but I didn't have a version for my PC. So, I will now use Cute PDF Writer! Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Regards,
Johnny
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golf1800s Premium
Hi Johnny, it did take some time to put it together but I think teaching others and being of some assistance while I'm here is worth it :)
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Sherion Premium
Thanks so much. This is really good. I have been wanting to create something to give away to my list. This will come in handy. Now to just get a good pdf done.
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golf1800s Premium
Thanks Sherion - I trust you are making progress with that PDF give-away!
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