How to Create PDFs
Note: The software necessary to read Adobe PDF’s is available free.
Many documents on this site can be downloaded, read, and printed using free
Adobe Acrobat Reader software, which you can download
by clicking the icon to the left.
The information below applies to the creation of PDF files.
Option 1: Adobe Acrobat software
- Adobe Acrobat is the easiest method to create Adobe PDFs. Although it is not free, it is user-friendly and has an extensive variety of production options.
- If you do not have this software, you can inquire with your IT staff to see if your institution has a license for Acrobat. The cost for a single user can range from $25 to $100
- For more information visit: Education – Adobe Acrobat family
Option 2: Adobe’s Online PDF Service
- Create Adobe® PDF Online is a Web-hosted service that lets you convert a variety of documents into Adobe PDF files that anyone can view using the free Adobe® Reader®. Supported formats include Microsoft® Office files, graphics formats, Web pages, and other file types.
- For more information visit: https://createpdf.adobe.com/index.pl/1202237131.07073?BP=IE
- Free trial – Create 5 PDFs for free
Option 3: Use a free online service
- These services are for the more technically-inclined
- David Hinelines – Quick Guide to Making PDF Files (with Ghostwriter)
- Using Ghostscript to Make PDF Files
More information and helpful links:
- Editorial Express – How to Create Usable PDF Files
- This tutorial is for the more technically-inclined users
- https://gemini.econ.umd.edu/e-editor/pdftips.html
