How to Create PDF Software Files
Adobe Corporation first created the PDF (portable document format) file format in 1993 as a way for computer and Web users to create and transfer documents easily. Since then, the PDF format has become a standard for emailing and uploading documents online. You have more than one option for turning your documents into PDF files.
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Instructions
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Generate your PDF file using Adobe Acrobat. Create the document as you would normally in a third-party program first (like Microsoft Word or Adobe Illustrator). Then load the Acrobat program, click "File," then "Open" on the main menu, and open the file you just created to convert it to PDF format.
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Use Adobe's online PDF maker tool (see Resources) to create your PDF software file. You have to sign up for an account--it's free for a few conversions, then costs after that. Upload your file (most word processing and image file formats are acceptable), and click the option to "Convert" it to PDF format. The tool will send the finished PDF file to your email account or display it in your browser after a few moments.
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Use a third-party utility, like CutePDF or PDF995 (see Resources), to create your PDF file. Some of these third-party utilities are free, while others require a one-time payment for a license to the software. Install the software on your computer--it becomes a printer utility on your system. Create a document in any program, click "File," then "Print" (or CTRL + P) on the main menu of that program, and then select the PDF printer utility from the list of printer choices to create your PDF file.
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Tips & Warnings
When you install Acrobat on your computer, it integrates with some common programs that you may already have installed, like Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer. In this case, you can create the PDF directly from those programs (look for an "Acrobat" tab or toolbar).
References
Resources
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