Tech question - I've created a form in Word that I need to convert to a PDF file for placement on my web site.

I'm unable to save it in PDF form with my version of Word, so I've uploaded it onto Adobe where they can convert files to PDF for you. The problem I'm having is that the format changes when I convert it, as though the process squeezes in the sides and causes some things to move down to the next line (which messes up the layout.) I've tried shrinking the dimensions in Word and re-editing the form so it looks right, but I'm still having the same issue.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make this work? My only fix so far has been to take a screen shot of the form, crop it, and upload the photos to Adobe to convert them. The problem is that the text and logo on the form come out a little fuzzy using this method.

Any advice would be great. Thank you!

I use the PDF printer provided when I installed the full version of Acrobat.
However they do offer alternatives that may work for you

http://www.cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/writer.asp

Like I said I do own the full version of Pro, if you cant get it, e-mail your word doc and I will see what I can do for you.

Floyd@collinscomedymagic.com

I have several PDF programs.

If you were to PM me, I could give you an e-mail address to send the form. I would guarantee that I would be the only one to see it, etc., so you won't have to worry about your ideas getting out.

I'd looked at the full version, which I believe was $299? I'm not sure if that's correct or not but either way it was more than I felt justified spending, given what I would use it for. I attempted the download from the link you sent, but the program wouldn't launch for some reason. I'm on a Mac so I'm not sure if that would be an issue or not?

I will send you an attachment, Floyd! Thank you so much for offering - I appreciate it!

I am a Windows user. Not sure what formats I can open from Mac. Haven't done anything in a while. Interesting.

Thank you! I've sent it off to someone but if it doesn't work out, I will be in touch. I appreciate the offer!

Andrew,
I sent it back to you, let me know if that will work for ya.

Floyd

Floyd saved the day. Magicians helping magicians!

Glad you're sorted out. If you're on a mac, there is already a built in pdf conversion.

File-> print
PDF-> Save as PDF

If you're on windows, the free cutePDF writer is the way to go - it works just like a printer.

These days, however, I use neither. My booking system, ShowBiz CRM, will generate customized PDFs and automatically email them to the client. I use it to generate 10 page proposals, invoices, contracts, letters, etc.

Good to know for the future. Thank you so much!

Posted: Feb 12, 2011 6:00pm
Tried that out, Carducci - it worked perfectly! Thanks to Floyd I've already got this form into the hands of the people that needed it. Now that I know what this fix is in word I won't have to bug him next time.

You can bug me anytime Andrew, never a problem on my end to help you out. As for the tip that is good to know if I ever get a mac I will know what to do...

Floyd

I've been using this one for years and it works great. Free, too!

It's in your print menu and you just select the program instead of your regular printer.

http://www.pdf995.com/

Sincerely,
David

PDF is fast becoming a standard, as a result there are free PDF programs as well as ones you can buy.

I use Acrobate, but if you purchase a printer or scanner today, they all come with the ability to transform to PDF.

If you want to check out also the company that use to be Scansoft, now Nuance that sells several PDF conversion programs as well as the popular scanning program PaperPort. Check out http://www.nuance.com if you wish.

IF I understan your problem, as discribed may have been that the page size was not set to 8.5" x 11".

That was my confusion - I had specifically made sure that the page size was what it should be, and even shrunk it somewhat when I tried to convert it to be sure the format would stay the same.

Luckily I've found the fix with the advice given here!