Using Acrobat in Writing Classes: Finding and Saving

Finding and Saving PDF Files

Here are tips for finding and saving PDF files from the Web.

Finding PDF Files

Google lets you search for words or file extensions in a URL. To find PDF files to use in class, type inurl:pdf, along with other keywords. For example, the following illustrates how to find MLA Style Guides in Acrobat format:

You can also use the advanced (Boolean) search feature found in search engines. Type the name of the type of document you want, such as “procedures” or “newsletters.” Also search for the keywords “PDF” or “Acrobat.”
Use the advanced (Boolean) search feature found in search engines. Type the name of the type of document you want, such as “procedures” or “newsletters.” Also search for the keywords “PDF” or “Acrobat.”
Go to the Adobe Acrobat home page to find PDF files about Acrobat, tutorials in PDF format, and case studies.
Visit Electronic Publishing Research Group: PDF Corner. It includes links to numerous PDF pages featuring everything from PDF games to PDF guides.
Visit PDFzone.com to view a showcase and archive of good uses and users of PDF documents. This site contains samples from Arts and Humanities, Business and Economy, Computers and Internet, Education, Entertainment, Government, Health, News and Media, Recreation and Sports, Reference, Science, and Society and Culture.
Textbook publishers have sample chapters or model documents to download. For example, a Model Documents Gallery is available at Bedford St. Martin's Web site. This site also has sample papers that use various documentation styles.
Citation guides in PDF format are available from many libraries (e.g. Ohio State) and writing centers.
Many writing centers provide their handouts in PDF format.

Top

Saving PDF Files

Once you find a PDF document on a Web site, here are a few tips:

To view the document, left-click the link to the PDF file. You can then save the file directly in Reader. In Acrobat 5.0, you now have more options in how to view PDF files from the Web. You can choose to display PDF files from the Web in the default browser or open them offline in Acrobat. You can also choose how you want PDF files from the Web to download: to download one page at a time (the Fast Web view), to download an entire PDF before displaying it, or to continue downloading once the first page displays (Background Downloading).

To download the file without viewing it, right-click the link to the file. A popup menu will appear in Netscape and Internet Explorer. You can then save the file to view later and continue to browse the Web as the file downloads.

Top