converting multiple word docs to PDF

[coops]

Is there a program anyone has seen or used that allows one to convert word documents to PDF more than one at a time? Thanks

brent

[snarkie]

Have you tried the full Adobe program, not just the reader?

I can't help but wonder why anyone would want to convert word files to PDF. Word files are readable by most word processors, wheres PDF files are only readable by either Adobe, or a few other programs.

Here is a link to more info.

www.microsearchcorp.com/pdf-conversions.htm

Just wanted to let you know there is a downside.

]"



------------------
Me.

[coops]

Snarkie,

I agree 110% with you but a friend asked if I knew of any and I didn't so next spet - here of course. Thanks

[HomerJSimpson]

Why ? If you have scanned some documents and you would want to do some changes in it , that is why , But I don't know how .I need an answer on this question as well .

------------------
Post back . Use same thread , don't open new one
_______________________

When I'm feeling down I like to whistle...it makes my neighbor's dog
run to the end of his chain and gag himself

[Slade]

Have you tried Word??? Go to the file tab and in the drop down menu you will see an option to create adobe pdf. That is how I do it. I assume this option is only available if you have acrobat reader installed.

[Eggles]

I think you will find you need more than Acrobat Reader to convert any sort of file to a PDF. As the name suggests, it is a reader of PDF files, not a creator. The Adobe program that can make PDFs is called Distiller, and is part of the Acrobat Exchange suite (as is the Reader). I think there are other programs that will make PDFs too.

But as a number of other people have asked, why convert a Word document to a PDF? I can think of one situation... if you want to retain certain typefaces in the document, that you are not sure are installed on the computer that may be reading the document e.g. a resume (CV) that contains other than standard fonts being sent via email to a potential employer.

Homer - I think you are confusing PDF with OCR. If you scan a wordprocessed document, the type of program you use to make it 'editable' is called Optical Character Recognition. There are a number of different brand programs on the market that will do this e.g. TextBridge, OmniPage, etc. The document usually has to be scanned at a reasonably high resolution e.g. 200 dpi, otherwise the OCR cannot work. The manual for the OCR program will tell you what sort of resolution is needed.

As for the uses of PDF - if you need to transfer a file from one computer to another that contains, for example, a typeface (font) that another computer doesn't have loaded, then the formatting will not display as was intended. Converting a file to a PDF retains all the formatting, including the original typefaces. Converting to a PDF is also a way of displaying a document in its original format on a webpage. Many software and hardware manuals are available as a PDF, either on CD or a website, because it allows all the original page layouts, fonts, etc to be displayed as intended.

[Slade]

Eggles

All I have on my work pc is word and acrobat reader. I convert numerous word files to pdf for posting on our web site. Check out the option in the word drop down memu under file. I work for a State agency and we post a lot of form and guidance manuals. We do not want people editing them. With word they cannot resist.

[Eggles]

Slade

I have Word 2000 on my computer, and I do not have the option of converting Word documents to PDF format. I am not saying that it isn't possible, I just don't think it is a normal component - it must be a plug-in or add-on or something. But as you will notice, I do acknowledge in my post that there are other programs that will make PDFs apart from Distiller.

And I am certainly not disagreeing on the value of making PDFs. I also made reference in my posts that they are often used as a means of displaying uneditable documents on a website.

If you can so readily make a PDF from a Word document, can you then reconvert it back so you CAN make changes when required?

[Cowboy622]

I don't know how to do it but to answer a questions as to why? I can tell you that here in Ohio if you want to file pleadings, or briefs electronically with the Ohio Supreme Court, it must be in PDF format. I don't know why that is a requirement but it is. There may be other agencies or government entities that have the same requirement. When they joined the 21st century to allow electronic filings, they put the PDF requirement in.

------------------
You miss 100% of the shots you never take !

[Norman]

My Word 97 drop-downs don't have a "save as .pdf" either. Appears that in order to save/create in .pdf, one needs to buy/install Adobe Acrobat 5.0 ($249 US). If there's another solution, i'd be very interested, too!

Comparison at http://www.adobe.com/products/acroba...hanreader.html

[snarkie]

I believe that the reason many are questioning why you would want to convert, is due to the downside of doing so. If you check out the link I originally provided, it reads almost like a Pharmeceutical disclaimer. You know, the ones on TV where they show happy people enjoying the sunshine etc., and at the end of the ad in fine print, and announced so fast you really have to strain to hear it, things like "check with your doctor, in some cases can cause liver damage, and should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers, etc.

The article does clearly spell out the disadvantages. I know many state agencies have gone this way, however I personally think it is a pain in the butt. If the program were only a meg or so, I wouldn't mind, but after the download and install you have 10MB tied up for this one stupid program.

I am surprised, that no one has come up with an alternate solution. I should think that someone involved with desktop publishing, might have some experience in this area.

]"



------------------
Me.

[Eggles]

I was a bit intrigued with the possibility of converting Word documents into PDFs. So I have just done a web search, and I think that the only way that this can be done is to have the full Adobe Acrobat installed on the computer. There are other programs that can do the conversion, but since they are as expensive (or even more so) than Acrobat, it does seem worth the effort really.

I think the confusion has arisen because of the way Adobe has named the individual programs in its Acrobat suite. Everone knows about the Reader, but often refer to it as just 'Adobe'. I understand that the other two(?) progams in the suite are called Distiller - the program that actually converts the documents into PDFs and Exchange, which allows editing of the PDF.

My version of Adobe PageMaker (6.5 plus) came with Distiller (V4), so that I have a function in the drop down menu to 'Convert to PDF'. I think this is probably what Slade has on his computer - either the full Adobe Acrobat suite, or at least the Distiller component.

Snarkie - your post didn't show up before I started writing my reply. I actually do work as a desktop publisher and, amongst other things, convert our quarterly magazine to a pdf for display on our website. Which is how I know about Distiller.

[This message has been edited by Eggles (edited 05-07-2001).]

[kxn]

There's a free program, Free PDF, that can convert DOC to PDF.


Where I found it
Free PDF HomePage
Publisher

------------------
"The point of living, and of being an optimist, is to be foolish enough to believe the best is yet to come." Peter Ustinov

[This message has been edited by kxn (edited 05-07-2001).]

[snarkie]

Well Eggles, then you are the mate that they want to listen to. Most of us don't get that fussy with HTML or fonts or typface etc., that is why I meantioned desktop publishing. I sort of figgured, that if anyone would have a finger on this thing, you birds would.

G'day Mate.

]"


------------------
Me.

[coops]

Gee this garnered more response then I thought. I take off for a couple of days and whammo - but cool and thanks.
I think we found one that does a nice job of multiple docs - AdLib Sentinel. First day trying it out so will let you know how it goes later unless those with experience (good/bad) would like to comment now.