Why PDFs?
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PDF stands for portable document format – so PDF applications are specifically
designed to configure documents for accurate electronic transmission. This
means that the document you see on your screen is exactly the document we
receive – colors, layout, fonts and all. Even better, any application that can
print can make a PDF, so our state-of-the-art digital color printers magically
(well, electronically) become your in-house printer –all you have to do is
press the button to send it!
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How do I make a PDF?
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PDF converters work just like a print driver – only instead of printing, you
create a PDF file. Depending on what type of computer you have, the process is
slightly (very slightly) different, but all of them are easy.
Important Note: Before uploading, open the PDF file and proof
it carefully. This ensures that your CatPrints will look exactly the way you
want.
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Instructions for PC users:
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If you already have a PDF conversion program: When you choose
“Print” from any application, your PDF program will appear as an option listed
in the “printer name” dialog box. Specify the PDF maker as the printer, and
click OK. When prompted, name the file, say where you want it stored, and save
it as a PDF. You are now ready to upload it to CatPrint. (Make sure your
converter is set to 1200 dpi and maximum portability.)
No PDF Maker? Get one for FREE!!
CatPrint can recommend two free converters that our customers find easy to use.
Either one can be installed in about 5 minutes, then used indefinitely. These
converters are not Spy-ware, and to our knowledge are safe to use.
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PDF 995: PDF995 does a lot more than make PDFs. It will also
email PDFs, and convert your output to other formats such as jpg. It has an
easy, two-step installation procedure, found at its web site,
www.pdf995.com/download.html. Under Step 2, click the links to download
and run the printer driver and free converter. $9.95 buys you the supported
version, which has other useful features.
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CutePDF Writer: CutePDF Writer is similar to PDF 995. Its
usage screens feature fewer pop-ups than PDF 995, and it is slightly more
reliable, but the core program is not as versatile. Download both the PDF
Writer and the Ghostscript program from the web at
http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp, using the “Run”
option to automatically install them.
Once you have a PDF converter: When you choose “Print” from
any application, your PDF program will appear as an option listed in the
“printer name” dialog box. Specify the PDF maker as the printer, and click OK.
When prompted, name the file, say where you want it stored, then save it as a
PDF. You are now ready to upload it to CatPrint. (Make sure your converter is
set to 1200 dpi and maximum portability.)
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Instructions for Macintosh users:
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Mac OS-X
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Mac OS-X has PDF creation capability built in, so you are automatically ready
to CatPrint. When you choose “Print” from any application, use the “Save as
PDF” button at the bottom. When prompted, name the file, say where you want it
stored, then save it as a PDF. You are now ready to upload it to CatPrint. Make
sure you use 1200 dpi and the settings for maximum portability. |
Mac Classic
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If you already have a PDF creation program you are all set. When you choose
“Print” from any application, your PDF program will appear as an option in the
“printer name” dialog box. Specify the PDF maker as the printer, and click OK.
When prompted, name the file, say where you want it stored, then save it as a
PDF file. You are now ready to upload it to CatPrint. (Make sure your converter
is set to 1200 dpi and maximum portability.) |
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If you don’t yet have a PDF converter, CatPrint can recommend PrintToPDF, a
shareware program available at
http://www.jwwalker.com/pages/pdf.html. Click the download link, click
on the file to unstuff it, then drag the program icon to your extensions file.
Now, when you choose “Print” from any application, your PDF program will appear
as an option in the “printer name” dialog box. Specify the PDF maker as the
printer, and click OK. When prompted, name the file, say where you want it
stored, then save it as a PDF file. You are now ready to upload it to CatPrint.
(Make sure your converter is set to 1200 dpi and maximum portability.) |
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