Instructions:   Convert Document To PDF

The Rich Text Format (RTF) has been replaced in many situations by the Portable Document Format (PDF).

RTF files can be created, modified and printed by almost all word processing applications. PDF files are more secure from modification.

There are a variety of methods to convert an existing document to a PDF file.

How to convert your document using OpenOffice from http://www.openoffice.org/
(It is free to use OpenWare.)

To convert or create your document in the PDF file format you can use OpenOffice (with its variety of tools).
This has been successfully tested with a variety of files (e.g.: .docx , .pptx , ... )
  1. Open the document with OpenOffice (It will sort out which of its tools to use.)
  2. Select the menu item: File (upper left corner)
  3. Then select the menu sub item: Export As PDF...

    In the Export Options Dialog Window there are a lot of choices that [Help] may clarify for you.

  4. On the General tab, you can choose: Range:   (*) All.
  5. On the General tab, you can choose: Images:   (*) JPEG compression.
  6. General:   [x] PDF/A-1a     may provide the most protection of your document.

    7. (Converts to the PDF/A-1a format. This is defined as an electronic document file format for long-term preservation. All fonts that were used in the source document will be embedded into the generated PDF file. PDF tags will be written.)

  7. When you are satisfied, Click on the [Export] button.
  8. In the Export Dialog Window, specify the name and location to [Save] your Exported PDF file.

Another tool is CutePDF Writer from http://www.cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/writer.asp
(Create PDF documents on the fly -- for Free!)

After I installed CutePDF Writer and GNU Ghostscript, I have been able to open my files in their editing application
  1. Open your document with the application you would use to view or modify.
  2. Select the menu item: File (upper left corner)
  3. Then select the menu sub item: Print...
  4. In the Print Dialog Window, Select 'CutePDF Writer' as the Printer, then [Print].
  5. In the Save As Dialog Window, specify the name and location to [Save] your PDF file.

I regularly use CutePDF Writer to convert my PowerPoint slide shows to PDF format.



Updated 10/17/2018