This is a continuation from the previous post, and includes an exciting conclusion to the “unofficial guide to everything that you need to know about PDFs… For Dummies… Cliff Notes… abridged edition 1.0! ”
Chapter 5: How do I create my own PDF?
- Option 1 – Adobe Acrobat is the standard application used for creating and manipulating PDF files. It offers a wealth of powerful features (see chapter 6).
- Option 2 – Mac computers natively offer the ability to export to PDF from most of their applications, including iWork (Mac’s version of MS Office).
- Option 3 – OpenOffice.org’s suite of free office productivity applications provide the ability to export to PDF. For more on OpenOffice, check this post.
- Option 4 – There are a number of free or inexpensive PDF creator tools available on the Internet. A few of the most popular are PrimoPDF and CutePDF writer.
- Option 5 – Contact the CTL, and we can help you do the conversion in our lab!
Chapter 6: What else can PDFs do?
To unleash the full power of PDFs, you must use the Acrobat application. The PDF format offers a number of useful and interesting features, including:
- Create forms that can be filled-in online then printed or emailed to a specified address.
- Add multimedia items such as video, sound, and even Flash animations.
- Add click-able links to web pages.
- Collaborators can apply comments and responses to any part of a PDF.
- Here are some really cool examples of student portfolios created with Acrobat.
- And finally, Adobe’s website offers some interesting videos and white papers about the many applications of the PDF in Education!
Chapter 7: Conclusion.
The PDF is a useful tool for educators and students. Everyone’s doing it, so don’t be left out! Contact us to learn more!
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