Create a PDF Using Adobe Acrobat

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. PDFs were developed by Adobe to be used independently of any word processing software, meaning that anyone can read a PDF. Anyone can open a PDF using Adobe Reader. Adobe Reader is provided on every University computer, and a free download is available directly from Adobe.

You can use PDFs as an alternative to making prints of your files. This way you can save paper on your print quota.

To Create a PDF in Office 2016 (and 2010/2013):

In Office 2016, 2013, and 2010, you do not need to install any add-ins to create a PDF. Follow these instructions to save a file to a PDF:

1. Open the [File] tab > Select [Save As].
2. Under "Save as type", select "PDF."
3. Rename and relocate the file if you wish.
4. Click [Save]. A PDF version of your file will be created and opened in Adobe Reader or Acrobat.

To Print to PDF with Adobe Acrobat:

These instructions require the installation of Adobe PDF Professional (Adobe Pro) which is available through CedarNet. If the program you are using does not have the option to print, you will not be able to follow these instructions and will need to consult alternate resources.

Note: The process is called "printing to PDF" because this method used the File > Print option, but this does not physically print a hard copy of the file. This method will save a soft copy file on your computer.

 Any program you use that has a "print" option (i.e., you can choose "File" > "Print") can print to PDF.

1. In your software program, click "File" > select "Print...."  (or if you are using a Microsoft Office applications, click the [Office Button]  > select "Print...." ) 
2. Click the "Name" drop-down box > Select "Adobe PDF" > Click [OK]. 
3. Your document will convert to a PDF file. Adobe Acrobat will launch so that you can view this file.
4. In Adobe Acrobat, Click "File" > Select "Save as" and save the file in the PDF format.

To Print to PDF with PrimoPDF:

Note: The process is called "printing to PDF" because this method used the File > Print option, but this does not physically print a hard copy of the file. This method will save a soft copy file on your computer.

1. Click "File" > Select "Print...." (or if you are using a Microsoft Office applications, click the [Office Button] > select "Print...."
2. Click the "Name" drop-down box > Select "PrimoPDF" > Click [OK].
3. Your document will convert to a PDF file. Adobe Acrobat will launch so that you can view this file.
4. In Adobe Acrobat, Click "File" > Select "Save as" and save the file in the PDF format.

Warning! PrimoPDF produces inconsistent results with pictures and graphics. If your work is graphic-intensive, you may want to consider using Adobe Acrobat or one of the other PDF creation methods.

To Create a PDF From a Webpage:

• If you have Adobe Professional on your computer, you can choose to display the Adobe toolbar in Internet Explorer. If you do not see the Adobe "Convert" button in your toolbar, go to "Tools" on the upper right of the window > "Toolbars" > Click "Adobe PDF" > Click [Enable].
• If you are using Firefox or another web browser, you can save the webpage to a PDF by clicking "File" > "Print" > "Adobe PDF."
• If you do not have Adobe Pro on the computer, you can print to PDF using PrimoPDF with the instructions above.

Once you have the toolbar enabled in Internet Explorer, to navigate to the page you want to save as a PDF:

1. Click [Convert] in the upper right of your screen.
2. When the "Save as" box opens, select a location for the file and rename the file as you like.
3. Click [Save].
4. A box will open with the progress, then your PDF will open.