How to Create PDF Files with the Print Command

One of the many convenient features of Acrobat, Adobe's PDF desktop publishing software, is the ability to create PDF files in a number of manners. In addition to being able to create the files in your Acrobat and Microsoft Word applications, you can also use the "Print" command to create PDF files. This can save the trouble of manually starting Distiller, the application that is used to turn PS (PostScript) files into PDF files.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Adobe Acrobat
• PDF printer driver plug-in

Create PDF Files in Windows

1. Customize your printing specifications. There are some situations in which the default options aren't appropriate for your file. In that case, you will need to make any sizing, document information or security settings changes before using the "Print" command to create the PDF file.
2. Select "Settings," then "Printers (and Faxes)" from the Start menu. Choose the Adobe PDF printer and click on "Printing Preferences" to make changes. This can also be done from inside the application by going to "File," then "Print," then "Properties/Preferences."
3. Open the file you want to convert in its native application. In most applications, you can go to "File," then "Print" and select the Adobe PDF printer, but some programs may require you to click "Setup" in the Print dialog box to find the list of available printers.
4. Click "OK" in the Print dialog box. The file will be automatically converted to PDF and saved in your default folder.

Create PDF Files on a Mac OS

5. Specify your printing options and then open the file in its native format.
6. Go to "File," then "Print" and select "Adobe PDF" from the Printers menu. There will be a pop-up menu below the Presets menu. Change the default setting to "PDF Options."
7. Use one of Adobe's default settings or customize them as necessary. Pay attention to the "After PDF Creation" setting since what you select will determine whether the new file will be saved to a default location or opened in Adobe.
8. Click "Print."

Tips & Warnings

• In some cases, it may be necessary to download the Adobe PDF printer driver plug-in to create a PDF using the "Print" command (see Resources below).

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