PDF Methods

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It was created to provide a means of communicating any type of document with others regardless of their platform or media. When a document is converted to a PDF, all the fonts, formatting, colors and graphics are "locked" into place.

How do you make a PDF?

Most people who use the Internet are familiar with Acrobat Reader, which is limited to only viewing and printing PDF files. Acrobat is actually a group of programs that includes Acrobat (allows you to change, edit or customize PDF files) and Distiller (writes or creates the PDF files). To make a the best quality PDF file, you must have or purchase Adobe Acrobat. Many PDF utilities that are supplied with software, PDF Maker, PDF Writer or others, do not create a quality PDF file. We recommend you do not use those utilities to create your PDF.

How to Make a PDF from Word

How to Make a PDF from Publisher

How to Make a PDF from InDesign

If you are using InDesign, Quark or PageMaker: (and you own the full version of Acrobat, including Distiller), we suggest you first make a Postscript File and then Distill the postscript file using the gorhamprinting.joboptions file. This method will make a more accurate PDF than using the "Export to PDF" feature available on many programs.

What to do with this joboptions file: 1. Right click on the file name above and save it on your hard drive in a location that you can remember and easily find. 2. Open Acrobat Distiller. Go to Settings>Add Adobe PDF Settings. Browse for the gorhamprinting.joboptions file and click Open. This will add our joboptions file to your Distiller.