PDF How-To for ETDs

Converting Your Document to PDF

These are the most commonly used methods:

Windows XP or Vista with Microsoft Office 2003

Use Adobe Acrobat (see below)

Windows XP or Vista with Microsoft Office 2007

• File > Save As...
• PDF or XPS option

If you have separate files for different chapters or sections, combine them with Adobe Acrobat (see below).

Mac OS X with Microsoft Office 2004 or 2008

• File > Print
• PDF option: Save as PDF

If you have separate files for different chapters or sections, combine them with Adobe Acrobat (see below).

Adobe Acrobat (Version 6 on Windows XP):

• Insert your portable drive and display the files you want to convert.
• Right click on the file and click on "Save as Adobe PDF".
• Save the PDF file when prompted.
• The file will open automatically in Acrobat so you can check the results.

You can download a two-page instruction sheet for more detailed instructions. If your document is long or has complicated formatting, you may need to use the Distiller method .

To combine multiple files:

• Open the first PDF file in Acrobat.
• From the menu select Document > Pages > Insert
• Select the next file.
• Select "After" the "Last" page.
• Repeat the last three steps until the document is complete.

Acrobat is available on computers on the 1st floor of the Main Library (Multimedia Express Workstations or Group Instruction Lab).

If you wish to purchase Acrobat at a discount, visit the bookstore or its online Software Shop .

Proofing your PDF

Browse through your finished PDF to make sure all content and formatting was preserved during the conversion.

Note on Fonts: If you use a special font in your document (for symbols or non-Roman scripts such as Chinese, Russian, Arabic, etc.):

• The font must be installed on the computer used for converting to PDF. You must also check the PDF conversion settings to be sure
• The font must be embedded in the document (use the Distiller methond and check the PDF conversion settings).
• Test the PDF file on a computer that does not have the font installed.

Contact us if you need help.

Note on Printing: If you print from Acrobat, be sure to select None for the "Page Scaling" option. Otherwise the document will print with incorrect margins and line spacing.