I downloaded Adobe so I could open files with a ".pdf" designation. How do I create the same kind of file? Do I need a special program?

Presumably the Adobe app you downloaded was Acrobat Reader.

 

Basically, I create PDFs one of two ways: Using a graphics app like Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, or with a printer extension when the PDF conversion isn't supported in the app.

 

I'm a Mac guy, but the apps I use are all cross-platform.

If you only have acrobat reader, then it will be difficult for you to produce your own PDF files. You need the full version of Acrobat, or some other similar Adobe software, to turn files into PDF.

download an adobe PDF printer driver...

 

this would install an new "printer" on your computer, then when you go to print the document, instead of printing it, select "Adobe PDF" which will then produce a PDF of the selected document instead of printing it.

 

unfortunately, they only have this for Mac, but here is one you can use a free trial for the PC, though i have not used it myself.

 

PDF Printer Driver: PC

download an adobe PDF printer driver...

 

this would install an new "printer" on your computer, then when you go to print the document, instead of printing it, select "Adobe PDF" which will then produce a PDF of the selected document instead of printing it.

 

unfortunately, they only have this for Mac, but here is one you can use a free trial for the PC, though i have not used it myself.

 

PDF Printer Driver: PC

I downloaded it and it works fine. In the bottom right corner of each page it says "created using BCL easyPDF printer driver." A little tacky, but I only need it for some documents that I submit quarterly to the bank that lent me money for an apartment complex.

 

Thanks much everyone,

MB

I downloaded it and it works fine. In the bottom right corner of each page it says "created using BCL easyPDF printer driver." A little tacky, but I only need it for some documents that I submit quarterly to the bank that lent me money for an apartment complex.

 

Thanks much everyone,

MB

If you don't like the watermark, you can use some freeware like CutePDF:

 

http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp

I downloaded it and it works fine. In the bottom right corner of each page it says "created using BCL easyPDF printer driver." A little tacky, but I only need it for some documents that I submit quarterly to the bank that lent me money for an apartment complex.

 

Thanks much everyone,

MB

 

glad i could help. good luck.