Saving Your Files as PDF documents
*for Stages Evaluation tool*
Why PDF?
PDF (portable document format) is a great way to upload documents that take up less space and documents that do not depend on specific software in order to view it. Converting documents to PDF format is good practice for Digital Storefront (Printshop) as formatting issues are eliminated, and provides easier viewing of website documents for parents and students, many of whom are viewing on devices which do not have Microsoft Office products.
Microsoft Office 2010 - Save as PDF
In Microsoft Word 2010 as well as Excel and Publisher, you have the option of saving your document as a PDF file. In the File menu, you can choose Save as Adobe PDF or CTRL + P. This works for existing documents as well as new documents. This is also the best way to ensure that you can still edit your document in the future if you are using Microsoft Office products. You can also save emails as PDF files in this same manner.
Converting Existing Documents via Print Function
District Laptops and desktops all provide the option of choosing a PDF printer, whether it be PDFPrint, PDFPrinter, Adobe PDF, etc. To save a document as a PDF, go to Print, and then choose a PDF printer as your device. This will convert your document. Converting files this way can also allow you to only convert certain pages of your document into a PDF, allowing you to focus your evidence.
Google Docs
In Google Docs, go to the File tab, then Download as. Here you have the option of saving your documents as PDF files. Remember that you can also provide links to your Google docs, rather than completing this extra step. You will just need to make sure the document is properly shared.
Scanning Documents at the Copy Machine
If you have a paper copy of something that you want to use as evidence, such as a note from a parent, make a PDF copy of it using the copy machine. Here are the directions: Using the Copier to Scan Documents.
Via Chrome Web Browser
To print in Chrome, go to the settings control in the upper right hand corner or right click on the web page and choose print. Make sure your destination is set to Save as PDF. You may need to adjust your page layout and might want to include graphics. If you are constantly updating and improving your web pages, this will be a better option than simply linking to the site(s), as you can show a progression as part of your evidence.
What if I Want to Share a Picture?
It will be easiest to share pictures in STAGES via PDF document or through Google Drive links. Insert the pictures you want to share into a Word document or Google Docs. Use the directions above.
Made by Jennifer Pizzuto, BHS BTSS