ARCHIVED: In Mac OS X, how do I convert a document to PDF?

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Because Quartz, the graphics engine for 2D graphics in Mac OS X, is based on PDF, you can convert nearly any kind of document into a PDF file. To do so:

  1. Open the document in a Mac OS X application that can read its format, and from the File menu, select Print....
  2. In the print window, click PDF, and then Save as PDF....
  3. Choose a destination, and save the document as a PDF file onto your hard drive.

Several freeware, shareware, and commercial applications supplement the operating system's PDF handling capabilities, including these:

  • Adobe Acrobat: With Acrobat, you can create complex documents, and faithfully convert many document types into PDF. Adobe Acrobat is a powerful program, and the files it outputs are generally of higher quality than those produced by the operating system's built-in conversion utilities.

    Many Adobe software products are available free via IUware for IU students, faculty, and staff under the IU/Adobe License Agreement.

  • PStill: PStill converts EPS and PostScript files into PDF documents.
  • MacGhostView: MacGhostView is an implementation of GhostScript for Mac OS. Like PStill, it allows you to convert PostScript files to PDF. It is less expensive than PStill, but more difficult to use.
  • TeXShop: TeXShop is a TeX previewer that can convert DVI files into PDF. It is freeware, but read its documentation carefully before installing.

For other applications, see ARCHIVED: For Mac OS X, where can I download freeware, shareware, commercial software, and software updates?

This is document aklq in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2018-01-18 13:11:16.