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Auburn University College of Agriculture
 
CTU > Reference Desk > Software > Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat & PDF Files

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. PDF files are intended for documents that will be distributed over the web, but will ultimately be printed. Their main advantage is that, unlike HTML, they will look the same and print the same regardless of the equipment that the person is using. Also, the viewer does not have to have the program that the document was created in to open the file. Version 4.0 and above of Adobe Acrobat have the added feature of form elements such as editable text fields that can be set up by the person who creates the PDF file. These text fields allow the person on the other end to simply click in the blank and fill out the form which can then be printed with the individuals information, saved or subitted across the internet to various uses. In it's most common use, this saves you from having to fill the form out by hand or using an old typewriter. However, there are also scripting features built in to allow for such things as basic math to calculate a total, figure tax on an order form or any number of other applications. You also have the option of using the built in scripting to send the entered information to an email address or database. Many of the traditionally printed Extension forms are being made available online in the "Internal" or Intranet section of the Extension website and in the Human Resources section of the website. In order for PDF files to work correctly, the version of acrobat reader you are using must be at least as current as the version of Acrobat that created the PDF file. This means that if you want to open a form on the ACES website that was created in Acrobat 5.0, you must use Acrobat Reader version 5.0. This is why it is essential that you always upgrade to the current version of Acrobat Reader.

Acrobat Reader is the program that allows you to open and view PDF files. It is available for free download from the Adobe website. This is not the same as the full version of Acrobat which is used to create PDF files.

Creating & Using PDF Files

In order to create PDF files or to save a PDF file with content that you have entered, you will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat installed. The Full version of Adobe Acrobat allows you to save files in PDF format out of just about any program on your computer.

Adobe Acrobat Version 5.0x

Additional Information on Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat Version 4.0x





ACESAG Computer Technology Unit
60 Extension Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849 ~ (334) 844-9660
comptech@acesag.auburn.edu

CTU > Reference Desk > Software > Adobe Acrobat
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