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A PDF (Portable Document Format) is a type of file, containing both text and pictures, which cannot be changed and appears the same way each time. A PDF file name always ends in .pdf.

These hints provide useful information on the use of PDF files for those who may be unfamiliar with the format or those who would just like a bit of extra help.

Viewing or saving PDF files

What is the difference between viewing and saving a PDF file?

Viewing a PDF opens the PDF directly in your web browser using what is known as a plug-in. A plug-in is a small program that adds extra features to your web browser. If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat Reader plug-in then this will be the default option when you click on a link to a PDF. If your browser doesn't have the Adobe Acrobat plug-in it can be downloaded from the Adobe websiteNew Window.

Saving a PDF means that a copy of the PDF will be stored on your computer. This PDF can then be opened at any time in your browser (using the Acrobat Reader plug-in) or in Acrobat Reader which is available for free from the Adobe website. A text only version of this download is also available at Adobe AccessibilityNew Window (access.adobe.com)

How to view a PDF file

  1. To view a PDF simply click on the link provided on the web page.

  2. A dialog box may appear asking if you would like to Open this file from its current location or Save this file to disk.

    Note: If this dialog box does not appear your web browser may be automatically opening the file using the associated plug-in. If you would rather save the PDF then go to the instructions for saving a file and follow those steps.

  3. Select Open this file from its current location and click OK.

  4. The document will now open directly in your web browser.

Note: For large documents it may take some time for the document to display.

How to save a PDF file

Note: Depending on the computer, operating system and web browser these instructions may vary slightly.

  1. If you are using a PC, right click on the download link so that a menu appears OR if you are using a Macintosh, click and hold on the download link so that a menu appears.
  2. From the menu select Save Target As or Save Link As.
  3. A dialog box will appear that allows you to select the location on your computer that you would like to save the file. Select an appropriate location and then click OK. A dialog box will now appear providing you with information about how long the download will take and indicating the download progress.
  4. Once the download is complete you are able to launch the file by going to the location on your computer that you saved the file to and double clicking on it.

Having trouble viewing PDFs?

The following tips may help you if you are experiencing problems with viewing PDFs.

If your PDFs aren't displaying (e.g. all you get is a blank screen) you can try:

If the text in the PDF you are viewing is too small to read you can zoom in on the page using the Zoom tool located in Adobe Acrobat toolbar of your web browser. If when trying to view a PDF you get the message 'The page cannot be found' or 'Error 404' the link could be broken. Send us a message to let us know.

Using a speech reader with PDF file

We provide forms and copies of publications in Portable Document Format (PDF). PDF is a type of file, containing both text and pictures that cannot be changed and appears the same way each time. A PDF file name always ends in .pdf.

The Accessibility Resource Centre provides a number of tools that can help people who use speech readers to read the content of PDF documents. These tools work by converting PDF documents to text readable by speech readers. These tools are free and most require no downloading of files.

To find out more about these tools go to Adobe AccessibilityNew Window (access.adobe.com).

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