Re: Information on creating PDF files

[David Demyan <dbdemyan -at- WORLDNET -dot- ATT -dot- NET>]

Jacinta -dot- Quigley -at- ISOCOR -dot- IE wrote (regarding converting small Word 6
files to PDF):

--snip--
> What problems (if any) would I encounter?

There should be none. Use the PDFWriter that ships with Adobe Exchange
for the *easiest* solution; consider Acrobat Pro (including Distiller)
for more control over the results--especially if you will ever want to
also convert FrameMaker docs.

> How does it handle graphics?

One of Acrobat's best features is the way graphics are handled. They are
placed in-line, where they were in the document in relative resolution
independence. This means you and users can zoom in on parts of an
intricate drawing (or small text) to read it better.

> How long would it take?

Another plus. Writing PDF from Word using PDFWriter takes no longer than
printing the document. However, you will want to add bookmarks, which
requires Exchange and some patience to build them if you do so manually.
You will learn about so-called (and very expensive) Acrobat plug-ins
that are available to enhance or automate portions of the process.

Questions not asked, but often discussed:

Why convert to PDF when the lingua franka of the 'net is HTML?

Will your readers be willing to obtain the free Adobe Acrobat browser
which is required for PDF viewing?

Do you want the documents to be truly *online* formatted? (Acrobat
merely takes a snapshot of the page and presents it on screen that way.
It makes no attempt to take advantage of electronic delivery mechanisms
unless you take extra pains in the formatting of the original Word
documents.)

Hope this helps make your decision.

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David B. Demyan                                   Mendem Concord, Inc.
Toll Free: (888) 753-8500                            Technical Writers
FAX: (908) 756-0129                               Document Conversions
dbd -at- mendem -dot- com                                   http://www.mendem.com
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