Jan 11, 2013
The breadth of things that you can do on a Mac grows literally every day, with software updates, new apps and new websites being created. Subsequently, you could, at any time, wish to save a file you are working on, looking at or about to complete a transaction with. Luckily OS X, and every app that has been written for it, has been done so using a set of simple ground rules.
These ground rules are set by Apple and mean that each piece of software will do a certain amount of the same things, using the same file systems and resulting in the same thing. In this case we’re talking about the ability to save a PDF file from a Print window. You can print from practically any app, and with this great ground rule, each and every one of those apps with a Print menu has a PDF saving option. Once you know how the process works, you’ll keep coming back for more.
1: Reach for the files
In this example we are using Pages but you can use almost any app. Head to the File menu and select Print. You can also use the Ctrl+P shortcut.
2: Hidden away
Tucked away in the bottom-corner of the Print dialog window is a PDF menu. Here you can select to Save the PDF in a location. Click Save as PDF.
3: Place it
You can now select a name and a home for the PDF you want to save before hitting the Save button in the bottom-right corner.
4: That’s not all…
You can even save yourself some time using this option and send the PDF directly to Mail so you can email to a friend, colleague or family member.
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What happened to Save pdf in Iphoto? I used this pdf menu option frequently with lion (word 2011). Still using word 2011 but mountain lion has the option save to itunes which is no use to me to upload to website and facebook page. Aargh! Do you have a way to put this option there in the print pdf menu?
Hi mpbris,
I’m afraid I’m not sure what you’re asking! If you’re wondering how to export a photo as a PDF in iPhoto, you can do so relatively easily. Select the photo you want and, just like in the tutorial above, select Print. You’ll need to go through an extra menu, where you can set up how you want your page to look, but hit Print and you’ll see the PDF option in the bottom-left again, as in the tutorial above.
As for Word 2011, the PDF menu should still be available in the bottom-left of the Print menu, as it is standard across OS X. Let us know how you get on!
Thanks,
Steve