Word vs. PDF Documents

In order for the internet audience to be able to open a Word file, they have to have Word installed on their computer. (Since it's a fairly expensive program, it's safe to assume that not all people will be able to open your file.) The remedy to this is to create a PDF from your Word file. Then, since the internet audience doesn't have access to your hard drive, you have to put a copy of the file on the web server.

To create a PDF, you must have Adobe Acrobat (not just Acrobat Reader) installed on your computer. If you do have Acrobat, follow these instructions to create a PDF.

1. Open the file in Word.
2. Go to File / Print and in the Print dialog box, use the pull-down menu under Name: to select Adobe PDF and click Ok.
   (Note that if Adobe PDF is not listed as an option, you probably don't have Acrobat installed. Contact HelpDesk.)
3. The Save PDF File As dialog box appears and prompts you to provide a file name (NO SPACES!) and storage location for the new PDF document. After providing this information, click Save.
4. Open your new PDF and verify it's what you expected.

From here, you need to place a copy of the PDF file on the web server. There are several ways to accomplish this, such as Copy/Paste, but instructions for my recommended method are online at http://www.albion.edu/websupport/doc_import_document.asp.

Last but not least, when you link to your file, I suggest that you indicate the type of file you're linking to as a courtesy to your site visitors. For example:

Download the PDF application form by right-clicking the link below and choosing Save As... from the shortcut menu.

Registration Form (PDF)
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required, and you may download it free by clicking the icon above.

Please return this form and payment no later than DEADLINE to:

YOUR OFFICE
Albion College
611 E. Porter St.
Albion, MI 49224
Phone: 517/629-XXXX