The advantage of PDF files is that they are appear exactly as created, and no HTML code is necessary to view them with a web browser. In addition, PDF files can be enlarged or reduced when viewed. Links can be added to such files, using Adobe Acrobat Writer.

However, viewers must have a free plug-in (Acrobat Reader) to read the PDF files. Whenever a PDF file is used, there should also be a link the the free plug-in for those users who do not already have it installed on their computers. Click on the link below if you need to download and install Acrobat Reader:

For those viewers with the plug-in installed, PDF files automatically appear when the link to the PDF file is clicked.

Here are several examples of PDF files:

• Simple Word Document with a chart and clip art
• Research Paper with charts, photos and links to the Internet

Follow these steps to create and add PDF documents to a web site using a Macintosh. Complete directions given in bold and blue text.

1. Create the document you wish to convert into a PDF file in the application of your choosing (such as Microsoft Word), and save it in the conventional way. Make a backup copy if you wish.
   
   
2. From the Apple Menu, highlight Chooser
   
   
   
   
3. The following Chooser dialog box, showing all available printers, appears:
   
   
   
   
4. Highlight the Acrobat PDF Writer:
   
   
   
   
5. The PDFWriter Icon appears on your Desktop:
   
   
   
   
6. Drag the icon of the file you wish to convert to a PDF file onto the icon of the PDFWriter. Be sure the PDFWriter icon turns gray before releasing the mouse:
   
   
   
   
7. The following dialog box appears:
   
   
   
   Click OK.
   
   
8. The following dialog box appears:
   
   
   
   Complete any information you wish. I usually just put in my name.
   
   
9. The following dialog box appears. If the default name and place for the saving the document are appropriate, click Save. If not, change the name and location accordingly.
   
   Special notes:
   
   • Be sure a copy of your PDF file is placed in your server space
   • Be sure the name contains no spaces or punctuation marks
     
     
     

   You have now successfully created and saved your PDF document.

    

   The next step is to make a link from your Web Page to your PDF document.
   
   

10. Return to your web editing program. Highlight the text that will become the link to your PDF document. Browse to your newly created PDF file. Indicate the path to that file. For example, my file is named Scores.pdf
    
    
    
    
11. Once your link is created, be sure Adobe Reader is installed on your computer. Then test your link!
    
    Note: If you link to a Word Processed Document without converting it to PDF format, it simply prompts the viewer to download the document to the hard drive.
    
    
    Congratulations!
    You have created a PDF file and linked to it from your web page!