easier file sharing II : a free pdf generator
The .pdf format is ‘universal’ for publishing and distributing documents because the software that ‘reads’ it is free and easy to obtain. On Mac OSX, the integrated Preview opens pdf; on PC, the free Foxit Reader (very small & light) or the free Adobe Reader (very big) open it. Most computers already have something installed that will immediately open a pdf file, and the recipient can immediately read and respond to what you sent (but cannot modify/edit the document).
Anyone can fairly easily create PDF documents to share using free software. On Mac OSX, pdf documents are easily generated from any ‘Print’ dialog–it’s integrated and therefore, immediately usable.
On a PC, you can obtain a free PDF creator called pdf995:
- There are two files to download to your computer from that website. Then you install them by double-clicking on first one, then the other.
- Once you have installed the two files, you will find ‘pdf995′ listed as a printer whenever you click ‘File>Print’ : click the drop-down menu where the name of your default printer is listed and you’ll see pdf995 listed; click on it to select it.
- Open your document in the program that you created it in. Print it using pdf995: you will receive a prompt to name the file and choose where to save it; the same location as the original is a good choice.
- Then you just attach the pdf version of your document to your emails and your correspondents will be able to automatically open the document upon receipt.
(You can choose to purchase an inexpensive “key” for pdf995 that will eliminate the opening of a “sponsor page” in your browser; I don’t mind just closing that window after it opens…it’s not worth $10 to me to avoid that.)
You could also use a free, online converter service that requires no download and installation to your computer (but then, you’re giving them your email address, and that might invite spam…so I don’t like this solution, and my one test of such a service did not work as advertised.)
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
A UK company called Iceni ( http://www.iceni.com ) has very good tools in this area.
Gemini ( http://www.iceni.com/gemini.htm ) has a ton of PDF conversion options with output into multiple formats.
Then Infix PDF Editor allows the editing of the PDF files - as well as a load of extraction utilities. It has all the page manipulation functions (add, delete, move, rotate, etc) - it also has a fully functioned text editor that allows text to be reflowed, font changed, size changed & text block moved. Image editing, scale & image movement is also supported. See http://www.iceni.com/pdf_editor_infix.htm for free download.