Portable Document Format ("PDF") is a commonly-used file format on the web. Programs for viewing these files, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, often are packaged with other software, such as software that you receive from you Internet Service Provider.

What Does It Do?

For use on the Web, large text documents often are converted from their original formats -- such as Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. -- or scanned into a format called Portable Document Format ("PDF") (example: filename.pdf) to make the file size more manageable. Another advantage of the .pdf file is its print-friendly nature. This format maintains page breaks, whereas a standard web page (HTML) does not. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader, the files can be viewed and printed. Pre-printed forms can be converted or scanned, and then be made to accept typing into the form, as are the .pdf forms on this site.

How Do I Use It?

Viewing/Printing Files:

To view a PDF document, simply click on the link. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer (or not associated with your browser as a "plug-in"), you should see an alert telling you so. If you do have Adobe Acrobat Reader, depending on the way that your browser is setup, one of the following will occur: 1.) a box will appear asking you if you wish to save* or view the file [the choice is yours]; or 2.) Adobe Acrobat will automatically start and open that file in the smaller window, if Acrobat has been installed as a "plug-in" to your browser [this is the method Internet Explorer 4 & 5 uses].

To print a PDF document, simply use the "print" menu option of your browser or Acrobat Reader.

*You can save the .pdf file for viewing later. You do not need to be on the Internet to view/print (or fill in) the file. If you save the file (be sure to note where the file is saved), when you are ready to view it, simply start Adobe Acrobat Reader and then open the desired file. To start Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows 95 or 98 users), click your START button, choose PROGRAMS, then select "Adobe Acrobat Reader".

Filling In Forms:

Simply click your cursor in the blank that you wish to fill in. You can use the TAB key to move easily throughout the form. While you will be able to print the form, you will not be able to save it. So, complete the form carefully. (Review your printed copy before closing the form, as you can make changes to the completed form while it is still on the screen.)

Where Do I Get It?

Adobe Acrobat Reader is free software. Often, it is packaged with other software, such as software that you receive from you Internet Service Provider, or it can be download for free at:

www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html.