Painless PDF Conversion

There are a lot of advantages to converting your files from their current format (.doc, .txt or just web text) to a PDF document.

1. A PDF is a universal file format. No matter what type of a computer you have (or your sender has) the file will get there in tact and completely free of any alterations to formatting, font or junk code.

2. A PDF is a guarantee that your file won't be altered. Changing a PDF is a task that requires special software (unless it was designed to be filled in). So you're unlikely to get your work changed on you.

There is just one thing that you should be aware of with a PDF. Converting a document to the PDF format will increase its file size. This won't be much of a problem unless you're going to change lengthy (think book length) documents.

Now that you know the ups and downs of choosing PDF as your format of choice we are going to look at two different ways to convert your documents to PDF. Both options require no software downloads onto your computer and you can do them from anywhere. Both of the options are web based so you'll need an internet connection before we begin. We'll be exploring two options. One is a quick and easy, but best suited for an occasional use. The second is well suited to a more long term use but you'll have a harder time with graphics in some cases.

The occasional quick and easy method:

1. Open your web browser

2. Make your way to Google

3. Search for "Free word to PDF converter"

4. Select a site. Recommended sites include:

 

• PDF Online
• Express PDF
• Fast PDF
• Zamzar

5. Upload your file, input requested dates, and click on the "convert" or a similarly labeled button.

6. Wait - some services will send it to your email and others will make it your download it right away.

The reliable, long term, but graphics difficult solution:

1. Open your web browser

2. Make your way to Google Docs

3. In order to use it, you may first need to sign up with Google's Gmail service. Do so by clicking the "sign up" option on the homepage.

4.Once you're signed in to Google Docs, select "New" then "Documents"

5. When the document opens double click the title to change it.

6. Copy and paste your text into the document.

7. Format your document.

8. Save the document with the "save" button.

9. From the menu click "expert"

10. Select your file types as PDF and save the document to your hard drive.

11. You've got a PDF.

There are, of course, some things to remember when choosing a website to convert your documents to PDF.

1. Don't pay, there are many free services out there.

2. If a registration requires more than an email it's probably not worth using.

3. Read the terms of service to ensure that they do not add a watermark or link to the document.

There are also a load of software choices if you have to have a very high degree of control over your conversions...but we'll talk about that later.

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