.PDF Files? Making them?

[pueppi]

Hi.

I am wondering if anyone has any experience making or putting .pdf files on your webpages in order to let clients print out their paperwork prior to their office visit.

I searched around some in this section for some info on how this is done and what is the cost to get set up to do this, but I didn't see anything.

I'd be thankful for any info.

[melb]

You can buy some expensive software that will convert files to PDFs (Adobe is the most feature packed) but there are LOTS of free PDF converters on the web, just search for something like 'free PDF converter' These are fine if you just want one or 2 pages for printing out easily. The heavy duty features you pay for are for all the fancy hyperlinking/bookmarks/presentation of pages/sizing/etc not needed for just a page or 2.

[WaltFritz]

I've begun to use this product, easyPDF Printer Driver:
http://www.pdfonline.com/easypdf/index.htm It adds itself to your installed printers and converts documents to PDF. I've used it a few times and it works well and easy. $14.95...a bargain. I've not used it yet on my website, but I plan on doing so soon.

[EgoMagickian]

If you use a Mac, you can create PDFs from any application by choosing File > Print, then when the print dialog comes up, clicking the PDF button and choosing Save as PDF.

[Todd Brown]

Here's a great free PDF converter: convert.neevia (dot com)

It's web-based and works in under a minute.

Enjoy,
Todd Brown

[Live Life Fully Again]

just wanted to add this. I use a program called PrimoPDF. It's a free program that you download and install onto your computer. Once it's installed it actually comes up as one of your Printers. When you decide on what file you want to convert (whether it's a webpage, word document, email, etc.) instead of going to "save" the file, you select "print" then "PrimoPDF" as a printer. It will then open up a small window which asks what you want to name the file and what folder to place it in, then it automatically converts it to a PDF file. I've been using it for a while now and haven't had any problems with it. Here is the link: www.primopdf.com

[thebodyworker]

I use openoffice.org . It is a free program that has a word processor and all you do is create your form and then click a button to export it into a pdf file.

Julie

[pueppi]

Additional question:

Has anyone who has used any of these .pdf converters, used them by scanning a page into your printer and then asking the program to convert the scanned page into a .pdf file? (I am actually looking to copy some personal items into .pdf at this time --- so it's a bit of a different question than the initial one).

And, THANKS for all the info so far!

[softy515]

were you able to get those forms on your website for download?

[shivashiva]

Although I haven't done exactly what you're describing pueppi, I think it would be possible. These free .pdf converters take the "image" that is sent to the printer and convert that image to a PDF. So I have made pdfs out of word docs that are combinations of words and pictures. Only problem is that the pics are not are clear as they once were.

So, for instance, if you wanted to scan a form or personal document of some sort with your scanner, it would turn itself into a jpg. Then you could send that jpg to the pdf converter, and it would make it a pdf from the print image. But you would lose quality, or at least I have with the images I converted to pdf. I'm not sure why you need pdf, but if it were me I'd just keep the scanned items as jpgs. They'll be better quality for printing at a later date.

And I did place the PDFs I made on my website for download.

[Dragonflies]

My printer/scanner allows me to scan to a file, I choose MS Word and then do the File>Print>Print to Adobe PDF. That's how I save an electronic copy of contracts and such.

[pueppi]

were you able to get those forms on your website for download?

Haven't worked on that yet. Had a number of items come up that just were more important. But, thanks for asking.

[pueppi]

Thanks to both of you for the additional info. I will be scanning 5 inches (paper inches thick) of docs to put on a CD. Very off topic, but just so you know, this means a great deal to me, that you were kind enough to take on that hijack of mine.

Keep up with more info on .pdf's everyone, I am learning new stuff every day and am sure it will eventually translate to my website as well.

[EgoMagickian]

You're not scanning those docs page by page are you? Any good copy shop should be able to scan them automatically. Oh, and places that provide such services to law firms, as they deal with a lot of documents!

[Dragonflies]

You're not scanning those docs page by page are you? Any good copy shop should be able to scan them automatically. Oh, and places that provide such services to law firms, as they deal with a lot of documents!

Good point Josh! I think it would be too much to scan at home too.

[richgcs]

If you are looking to create a PDF document from material you already have here is a cool tool : Google "CutePDF". This tool works like a printer. Just preview and print the document just like you would print to a printer in this case select "CutePDF" printer and it will ask you the file name to which you want to save the PDF. I am using it and I am very happy with it.