PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This format helps preserve the design and formatting of a document, regardless of the software used to create it. Converting pages of text and images into a PDF results in an electronic file that is much easier to use and read on both PC and Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Scanning a PDF on a PC
Step 1. Connecting your scanner to your computer
To do this, use a USB cable or connect the scanner to the network.
Step 2. Install the software that came with your scanner
This makes scanning a lot easier.
If you no longer have the drive, you can download the software for free from the manufacturer's website
Step 3. Place the document on the scanner glass
If you want to scan multiple pages, place them in the document feeder, if your scanner has one.
Step 4. Select PDF format on the scanner (if applicable)
Some scanners offer the option to set the size of the document on the scanner itself.
Step 5. Press the 'Scan' button on the scanner
Your scanning software on your PC should now start automatically.
Step 6. Save the scanned file as a PDF
A preview of the scanned document will appear on the screen. You should now be able to save this as a PDF. To do this, click traffic jam and select Save As. Choose 'PDF' as the file format.
Method 2 of 4: Using Image Capture (Mac OS X)
Step 1. Make sure the scanner drivers are updated to the latest version
You can check the 'Software Update' option in the applemenu to check if your hardware is up to date.
Step 2. Place the document on the scanner glass
If you want to scan multiple pages, place them in the document feeder, if your scanner has one.
Step 3. Open Image Capture
You can find it in the Applications folder.
Step 4. Check the 'Use Document Feeder' box if you want to scan multiple pages at once
This requires OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) or newer.
Step 5. Select the document size from the menu
By default, this is set to the page size of your system.
Step 6. Click the button
Show Details. By default, Image Capture will save your documents in-j.webp" />
Step 7. Click on 'Format' and select 'Pdf'
Step 8. In the 'Name' field, enter the name for the file to be saved
Step 9. Indicate where the file should be saved, via the 'Scan To' menu
Step 10. Press the button
scan. The document will be scanned into the program. Check the quality and make sure everything is aligned properly.
When you scan, the document will be created automatically. If the quality is not what you need, adjust your settings and scan the document again
Method 3 of 4: Converting an image to a PDF (Windows)
Step 1. Download CutePDF
This program acts as a printer that allows you to convert a document or image to a PDF when you click Print. This is great if your scanner saves files as-j.webp" />
Visit cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp to download CutePDF for free
Step 2. Download Ghostscript
This will allow CutePDF to do the conversion. You can download this from the same page as CutePDF.
Step 3. Install Ghostscript
Run the downloaded converter.exe file to install Ghostscript.
Step 4. Install CutePDF
Follow the prompts for installing CutePDF.
Step 5. Open the image or document you want to convert
You can open this in any program that also allows you to print.
Step 6. Open the Print menu
You can usually find these in the file menu, or by clicking Ctrl-P.
Step 7. Select 'CutePDF' from the list of printers
Use the drop-down menu to select it.
Step 8. Click Print
You will be prompted to select a location to save the converted file. Click Save after this selection. Your new PDF will now be created.
Method 4 of 4: Converting an image to a PDF (OS X)
Step #1. Open the image in Preview
With this program from OS X, you don't need to install any separate conversion software.