Creating PDF files for FREE!

So what is a PDF? PDF stands for Portable File Format and is an open standard for document exchange, it was first created by Adobe but you will now find a number of software providers capable of turning your existing documents into PDF files.

Why would we want to convert a file into PDF? There may be a number of reasons to convert a file to PDF. Perhaps you want to reduce the document size (generally a document converted to PDF is a smaller size than the original). Perhaps you want to make your document more compatible with other devices (e.g. Kindle allows for PDF reading). Or perhaps you just want to send your document to someone in a form that can't easily be edited (i.e. resumes, menus etc.).

What files can be converted to PDF? Pretty much most things that can be printed can be converted to PDF, there are a few exceptions but generally it will do the job for most if not all the documents a general user may need. In our case for students perhaps you want to convert lecture notes or readings to PDF (if they aren't already) so that you can read them on a portable device (like a Kindle).

OK - getting to the FREE part! You don't need to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a piece of software to create PDF's - while yes the paid software can do a lot generally the average user just wants to covert Word docs, Powerpoint presentations and such. There are Open Source solutions for creating PDF files (Open Source basically means Free - these applications are created by developers around the globe that believe in the right to have applications available free and there are lots of applications out there available).

The application I am reviewing today is called PDFCreator. It is a fantastic little tool which is incredibly easy to use (it's literally just like printing!). Start by downloading your own copy of PDFCreator from Sourceforge (a site dedicated to providing Open Source applications). Once you have downloaded run the program and follow the prompts to install - it is a pretty simple process: the only thing I change in the set up is deselecting the option to change my homepage!

Once it is installed it really is as easy as printing your document.

• When you select the option to Print your document in your printers list you will now see a listing for PDFCreator.


• Select it and press the Print button.

• You will then be given a screen that gives you some options for your PDF (if you like you can experiment with these but generally I just leave them as default)


• Type the title of your document in the Document title field and press Save.


• You will then be given a prompt on where you would like to save your file.


• Select the location and press Save.


• And that's it you have created a PDF!

A great tool that is super easy to use and is FREE! Can't argue with that!