Producing
PDF Files Without Using Adobe AcrobatProducing
PDF Files Without Using Adobe AcrobatIf you are on a shoestring budget like myself and would like to create PDF files, but can't afford Adobe Acrobat, then you have come to the right place. Here is what you will need to produce PDF files on a budget:
First you need to format your file in a word processor or page layout program. Once this is done, print the file to disk, using a PostScript or color laser printer driver (Figure 1). Make sure the "Print to file" option is checked and give the file a name. It will have the ".prn" suffix, although it is a PostScript file (can be renamed to ".ps").
Figure 1. Standard Windows Print Dialog Box
Open the PostScript file in GhostScript Viewer and select "Print" from the "File" menu. For "Device", select "pdfwrite" with a "Resolution" of 300 (Figure 2). Make sure that the "Print to File" button is selected and give the file a name when prompted. When the file is "printed" you now have a PDF file that is readable in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Congatulations! You have now made a formatted document that will print the same on any platform or printer.
Figure 2. GhostScript Viewer Print Dialog Box
Resources:
Download GhostScript Viewer/Adobe Acrobat Reader here:
| Resource: | 
Windows 95/98/2000 |
Windows 3.1 |
Macintosh |
| PostScript Viewer/Printer: | GhostScript
GhostScript
Viewer
(Freeware) |
GhostScript
Viewer
(Freeware) |
GhostScript
Viewer
(Freeware) |
PDF Viewer:
 |
Adobe
Acrobat Reader 5.0 Acrobat Reader 5.0 + Search
(Freeware) |
Adobe
Acrobat Reader 3.01 Acrobat Reader 3.01 + Search
(Freeware) |
Adobe
Acrobat Reader 5.0 (Freeware) |
| Adobe PostScript Printer Driver | AdobePS for Windows | AdobePS 8.7.3 - English |
Last updated 02/25/02