How to Convert Documents to PDF Format

PDF or Portable Document Format was invented by Adobe Systems™ and is now the de facto standard for distribution of electronic documents on the web due to its popularity and open standard. PDF documents are viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader which is freely available on multiple platforms.

WordPerfect™/StarOffice™/Open Office users can convert to PDF from within those software products. No external programs/plug-ins are needed. See your WordPerfect/StarOffice/Open Office help files for more details.

Microsoft Word™ currently does not have any built-in converters or plug-ins to convert Word documents to PDF. However, there are many third-party software products that will convert Word documents to PDF, and many of these products are free. Follow the instructions below on how to convert Word documents to PDF.

Please do not call MBCC for support on the following PDF conversion software. See the individual software website for support information. Please ask your system administrator for assistance in converting your document format to PDF.

PDF Printer Software

This type of PDF converter installs on the PC and appears to any Windows program as a Printer. Printing to the "PDF Printer" will save the output of the print as a PDF-file instead of a hard copy. This is very versatile as it can produce PDF documents from any Windows program that can print. Please ask your system administrator for assistance in installing the PDF Printer software. Further help can be sought by consulting the online documentation for the PDF Printer software located on that software's website.

Free PDF Printers:

PDFCreator (Open Source) - Download from http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/.
PrimoPDF (Freeware) - Download from http://www.primopdf.com
CutePDF Writer (Freeware) - Download from http://www.cutepdf.com. (You will have to click on the "Free Download" link and also the "Free Converter")

Note: These are just some examples of ways to convert Word Documents to PDF. No product endorsement is implied. Please do not call MBCC for support on these software packages. See the individual software website for support information.