Save almost any type of file as a PDF.

[timswim78]

I apologize if this is a repeat. Basically, I wanted to make some color maps into PDF files and didn't know how, so I found some utilities that let you make a PDF file for free.

Here is how you can make almost any printable file into a PDF for free!

The setup:
1. Install a color postscript printer driver. In many versions of windows you do not even have to download anything. Just go to control, printer, add new, and select the Apple Color LW 12/660 PS printer.
2. Download and install ghostscript. Download
3. Download and install ghostview (gsview). Download


Creating the PDF's
1. Open whatever application you wish to print from.
2. Use the print command and select the Apple LW 12/660 PS printer.
3. Click the "print to file" box and then hit the print button.
4. Type a name for the file.
5. Open the file with gsview.
6. Goto file, convert. Select PDFwrite.
7. Type a name for your file. (be sure to add .pdf to the end!)

 

[MrChad]

CutePDF and PDF995 will also accomplish this.

Thanks for the tutorial, though!

 

[timswim78]

WoW! CutePDF would have saved me lots of time.

 

[mattg1981]

use linux and it would be even easier 🙂

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: mattg1981
use linux and it would be even easier 🙂

Use OS X and there's a "Save as PDF" button in every print dialog.

 

[Nothinman]

Use OS X and there's a "Save as PDF" button in every print dialog.

Just like there is in ever KDE app. And for non KDE apps there's always a print to file option that creates a postscript file that you can run through ps2pdf.