Using PDFs

Not everyone uses the same word processor. This can lead to problems reading documents for faculty who need to grade your work. In addition, some kinds of word processor files can carry viruses that damage the software on the computer that receives them. Not all of your courses will require a PDF reader, but some will, that's why distance education students are encouraged to obtain a copy of Adobe Acrobat (or other PDF software).

PDF stands for Portable Document Format and should be familiar to any of you who use the internet. It requires a special piece of software to read a PDF. Luckily these are available for free on the internet, as are several PDF writers and editors.

making, and commenting on, a PDF with Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0

Making a PDF inside of your Word Processor

1. Convert an open word processor document by clicking on the "Convert Current Document to PDF" button that Acrobat Professional adds to the word processor's toolbar.
2. If you are using an email program other than CMail, it is likely that you can attach the document to an email and convert it to a pdf in just one action by pressing the "Convert Current Document to PDF and E-Mail It" button. However, remember many faculty prefer that you use an official GWU account for all your assignments.

Printing To Acrobat Distiller

Step 1: From the File menu, select print.
The print dialogue box will then appear. Step 2: From the print box, select "Adobe PDF " from the list of available printers and click “OK” to print.
If you do not see Adobe PDF on the list: click on the arrow next to the printer names to see more options) Make sure that you installed Acrobat Properly. Remember, printing to PDF is not available with the free version of the Acrobat reader.
The save PDF dialogue box will appear. Step 3: Save the file as a pdf file.
Select where you would like to put the file in the “Save in” pull down box. Give the file a name you will remember. Make sure that the “Save as type” box has “PDF files (*.PDF)” in it. Click on “Save” button to save your pdf file.
Once the file saves, Acrobat will open so you can review your new PDF file.

Commenting on a PDF file

To add a note to a PDF:

1. Move your mouse pointer over where you would like the note anchored.
2. Right click (PC) or control+click (Mac) and select "Add Comment" from the popup menu.
3. Add your comment.
4. Save the document.