In Mac OS X, how do I convert a document to PDF?
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, open the
document in a Mac OS X application that understands its format, and
then from the File menu, select Print... . In
the print window, click PDF, and then Save as
PDF... . You can then 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, faithfully converting 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. For details, see What software is available through the Adobe agreement, and how can I get it?
-
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 make sure you read its documentation carefully before installing.
Other applications are available; see For Mac OS X, where can I download freeware, shareware, commercial software, and software updates?
Last modified on December 12, 2008.
