Create PDF files in Mac OS X
The PDF file format is the de facto standard for document exchange on the internet. So you probably came across it already (manuals, instructions, etc.). In Mac OS X, PDF creation is built-in into the print dialog. This means that, whenever you can print something, you can also create a PDF from it.
Let’s find out how you can save a document, a web page, an email or anything you can print, as a PDF allowing you to send it to somebody.
For this tutorial, we will use the text editor that comes with Mac OS X, TextEdit. PDF creation works identically in every application (since the print dialog is always the same).
1) Start up TextEdit and write some text.
2) From the File menu, select Print… or press the shortcut command-P.
Note: This is the standard shortcut for printing, used throughout Mac OS X and by almost every application, so it’s useful if learn it.
3) The Print dialog opens
4) Click the PDF button in the lower left corner to open a menu, giving you a bunch of different actions.
The main actions are:
Open PDF in Preview
This will open the document as PDF in the Preview application. Watch out: the document is NOT saved as PDF. You can do this in Preview (File > Save as).
Selecting this function is the same as clicking the Preview button to the right of the PDF button.
Save as PDF…
This allow you to save the document directly as PDF. You can also set a number of security options (e.g. to require a password to open the file). The generated PDF file is not opened.
Mail PDF
Allows you to save any document as PDF and email it off - with one click.
However, this works only if you have configured Apple Mail to handle your emails. If you haven’t done so, use this Apple support document on Apple Mail, to learn how to set it up and get going.
Why PDF files?
PDF files are really great, since this file format ensures, that a document will look the same on your Mac, as on any other computer (PC and Mac). Also, a bunch of handheld devices can display PDF files.
You can use the Save as PDF function to save information from websites such as invoices or order details, so you have these documents whenever you need them.
Use the Mail PDF function, if you want to send a document, website or email to someone (including yourself) for reading. Saving it as PDF file will make sure, the document will look exactly the same on the other computer as it does on yours.
You can also email a webpage as PDF for offline reading (e.g. on a plane).
No more worries about document layout mismatching or lost information. PDF files make it easy to store information. The built-in functions of Mac OS X to create a PDF make it even easier.
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