Converting Word to PDF...

[livingfortoday]

I've read through all the past posts I could find on this, and none seemed to really resolve this issue for me... so:

Does anyone know of an easy and free utility to convert Word (.doc) files to PDF files? I've tried doing it through Word, but since the document I'm "printing" to PDF is 9" x 7", it keeps reformatting the PDF to a standard document size (like 8.5" x 11", etc). I tried OpenOffice, but it completely screwed up all the formatting I had in the original Word file, and I really don't wanna go through 60 meticulously edited pages all over again (even though it did keep the 9" x 7" size!). I tried an app called DOCtor, but that wouldn't convert any of the images. I even tried something called Strangelove, but I can't seem to get antiword to install on my system (running 10.3.9), so I don't know what to do!

Can anyone help with this?

 

[iSaint]

I'm curious as to why you require a 9 X 7 document...

There's a windows online utility called PDF995 that converts files to PDF for you. Not sure if it will work for you, or if it supports OS X.

 

[decksnap]

I think you should keep looking in your print settings on how to print the correct size through Word. That is probably your best bet. You should be able to define a custom setting in page setup or similar.

 

[livingfortoday]

I think you should keep looking in your print settings on how to print the correct size through Word. That is probably your best bet. You should be able to define a custom setting in page setup or similar.

I did set a custom size in page setup, but every time I go to print to PDF, it immediately converts it to one of the options on the drop-down list. It's weird, if I go under page setup 9" x 7" is still checked and selected, but it'll save as 8.5 x 11 instead.

 

[livingfortoday]

Oh, and I'm using Word 2004, for clarification.

 

[balamw]

Can anyone help with this?

You might want to try http://createpdf.adobe.com. The full Acrobat will allow you to crop a file and maybe the online version will get it right. You get a few free trial conversions.

Ghostscript will definitely do what you want, but will require some trial and error if you are not already a gs jock.

B

 

[Lau]

Yeah, if you go to "Page Setup" and under the top drop down menu you can select "Custom Paper Size". Enter the 9" x 7" info there calling it, say "9x7" and select ok. Then go back into "Page Setup" and select your printer, and select "9x7" (or whatever you called it). Select "Ok", and you should go back to your document, which is now formatted 9" x 7". Then when you go to "Print" you can select "Save As PDF" which should do it the right size.

edit: posts above happened as I typed , sorry.

 

[livingfortoday]

You might want to try http://createpdf.adobe.com. The full Acrobat will allow you to crop a file and maybe the online version will get it right. You get a few free trial conversions.

Ghostscript will definitely do what you want, but will require some trial and error if you are not already a gs jock.

B

Awesome, I'm trying the online service right now. If it works, it'll be all I need, because I only need to convert this once or twice. Thanks!

 

[livingfortoday]

Okay, the online trial apparently won't allow over a certain amount of processing time, so it can't even convert a 12 page document for me, much less the 60 pages I'm going to need. Dang. Any other free apps I can use?

 

[Lau]

I did set a custom size in page setup, but every time I go to print to PDF, it immediately converts it to one of the options on the drop-down list. It's weird, if I go under page setup 9" x 7" is still checked and selected, but it'll save as 8.5 x 11 instead.

That's strange. After I read your post, I tried it myself in Word, and it worked for my custom paper size. I don't know why yours wouldn't though. I selected my printer before I clicked Print to PDF, if you didn't that might be why? I don't know....

 

[balamw]

Okay, the online trial apparently won't allow over a certain amount of processing time

Bummer. Why don't you try and cut out 5 pages or so of the doc and see if it solves your problem? If it works you could still get the job done for $9.95...

B

 

[livingfortoday]

Okay, so it's not giving me the option to save the setting or name it as anything, which may be my problem. This is my page setup window. Is yours like this?

 

[fradac]

cutepdf

ACtually,
if you are on a PC (which i presume you are using, as Mac's print to PDF by default), you should go get this


http://www.cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/Writer.asp

there are two files, the ps converter and the writer, you need BOTH

and it works amazingly, it will just install a cutepdf writer under your printer list. and it FREEE

good luck

 

[Lau]

Hmm. Maybe it's a printer specific thing. My HP All in one is a heap o' junk, but maybe this may be one instance when it works. (oh and ignore that it's 9 x 7 cm )

If we really can't figure it out, email me the Word file and I'll export it as a PDF!

My window looks like this:

 

[Lau]

Just to clarify, this is the sequence I get when following on from the above post. Hope it helps....

 

[livingfortoday]

Just to clarify, this is the sequence I get when following on from the above post. Hope it helps....

Yes! Yes that did help!!

I wasn't able to do it through Word, but I went into Preview and it gave me those options under Page Setup. I created a 9 x 7 page size there, saved it, opened Word, and it recognized it!

Sweet!

Thanks SO much for your help!

 

[Lau]

Yes! Yes that did help!!

I wasn't able to do it through Word, but I went into Preview and it gave me those options under Page Setup. I created a 9 x 7 page size there, saved it, opened Word, and it recognized it!

Sweet!

Thanks SO much for your help!

Yay!

May I say that was very nice lateral thinking on your part.

No problem at all, glad it was sorted.

 

[decksnap]

Just for reference, I don't even have a printer and it let me specify a custom size and print to a PDF. Once you make a custom size, it shows up in your drop-down list of print sizes.