PDF (Portable Document Format) files let you view and print a document as the author designed it, without needing to have the same application or fonts on your computer.

Many online instructors provide  PDF files for you to view, and sometimes require you to submit files as PDFs.  

To view or print a PDF file, you need the Adobe Reader ®, version 5 or later, on your computer. You can download a free copy of Adobe Reader ® from the Adobe website.
See: Download Acrobat

Installation instructions are available from the Adobe website.

Saving PDF files

With larger PDF files, it is better to save the file to your computer, and then print from that copy. Using this method, you avoid the risk of having a printing task interrupted if your Internet connection fails.

There are several ways to save PDF files onto your computer - use the method that best suits your computer set-up:

  • you may get a message from a pop-up list - choose the 'Save Target as ¦' or 'Save Link as ¦' option
  • with the PDF file open on your screen, go to 'File' and choose 'Save As
  • with the PDF file open on your screen, click on the floppy disk icon just above the document, on the left hand side.

Saving information in fillable PDF forms

Fillable PDF application form  has sections that can be completed using a computer and then printed out and signed, rather than printing the form and filling in by hand.

Important: If you are viewing fillable PDF forms using Acrobat Reader ®, you will not be able to save the information entered into that form. Complete the application first and then print out a copy.

Printing PDF files

If you have difficulty printing a PDF file, please select 'Use raster graphics' which is found in File/Print/Setup/Properties/Graphics.

Problems opening documents

Users sometimes report they cannot open PDF documents on their computer. Usually this is due to a setting on the computer, rather than a fault with the file.

Adobe provides information to resolve many of these problems.
See: Adobe Help

Visually-impaired users

People who use screen reader software may have trouble accessing PDFs. Adobe provides tools for the visuallys impaired to access PDF documents.
See: Adobe Accessibility

Last modified: Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 8:47 AM