Using Pdf995 to Create PDF Documents

Last updated July 21, 2004

ON THIS PAGE:

• When to use a PDF document
• What is Pdf995?
• Creating PDF documents with Pdf995

When to use a PDF document

How do I know when to use a PDF document versus Word, PowerPoint, or others?

Consider the content, necessity, and use of your document. If it is mostly text, use an MS Word document or HTML/FrontPage to upload into your course site. If it is a PowerPoint presentation, ask yourself if the students really need the actual presentation or simply the content. For example, you may be able to create a PDF document in Handout format for them to download and print.

Generally, if you want to make an easily-readable version of any sort of complex or program-specific document, a PDF may be the answer. For example: spreadsheets, charts, heavily formatted/pictured HTML pages, SPSS results diagrams, etc. If you can print it, you can make a PDF of it with Pdf995.

Why is file size important, and how do the file sizes compare?

Many students access Blackboard with a modem, with top connection speeds of 56 Kbps. Not only do large files consume server storage space, but they can take students a long time to download. In some instances, a PDF version of a large document will be smaller than the original document. The following table helps illustrate this. (The download times are theoretical and are faster than real-world experience.)
 

* If the PowerPoint presentation is going to be used during a classroom meeting and is posted on Blackboard only for reference or notes purposes, then a text outline may be all that is needed by students.

What is Pdf995?

Pdf995 is a free printer driver that lets you create a read-only PDF file by simply selecting the "print" command from any application. Anyone having Adobe's free Acrobat Reader can view the PDF documents you create.

To download and install Pdf995:

1. Go to http://www.Pdf995.com/download.html
2. Download the Pdf995 Printer Driver and the Free Converter files to your computer
3. Double-click on the files to install them on your computer.
   The Pdf995 instruction page will be displayed when the installation process is complete.

Creating PDF documents with Pdf995

To create a PDF document with Pdf995:

1. Display the content (open the file, view the page, etc.) you want to convert.
2. Select File menu → Print.
3. In the Print dialogue box, select "PDF995" as the desired printer, and proceed as if you were printing normally.
4. You will be prompted to save and name your new PDF file as part of the "printing" process. Browse to your desired location, name the file, and click Save. The PDF file will be created for you in the specified location.
   
   A new browser window will open and take you to an advertisement on the Pdf995 website where you can purchase a version of the program. You do not need to purchase Pdf995 in order to use it; however, purchasing Pdf995 will make the advertising feature go away. Note that the PDF "printer" will never actually print a document - it generates a PDF file instead. Also, make sure to check your new PDF file for accuracy, as complex documents may not convert 100% correctly.

Blackboard Assistance at Boise State email:  blackboard@boisestate.edu    phone:  (208) 426-2583 (8-5 Mon-Fri)  office:  Education 420