Portable Document Format (PDF)

What is a PDF file?
A Portable Document Format (pdf) file is a self-contained cross-platform document. In plain language, it is a file that will look the same on the screen and in print, regardless of what kind of computer or printer someone is using and regardless of what software package was originally used to create it. Although they contain the complete formatting of the original document, including fonts and images, PDF files are highly compressed, allowing complex information to be downloaded efficiently.

Most forms on Girl Scouts of Central Maryland’s web site and/or CDs provided through the Volunteer Resource Center are set up in fill-able and sometimes calculating fields. To use the fill-able fields click on the fields and navigate throughout the document either by using your mouse or tab key. If you encounter problems viewing the file in your browser, you may want to save the document to your computer and open using Adobe(R) Acrobat(R) Reader from there. (Most browsers will allow you to save the document by right-mouse clicking on the link.)

Why does Girl Scouts of Central Maryland use the PDF format?
Pdf format allows the reliable reproduction of published material on many different platforms (requiring only the use of free reader software), it is a way to conveniently and quickly disseminate information including text, tables, and graphics.

How to Download the software (Go to http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html)
Virtually anyone - including Windows, DOS, Macintosh, SUN, and UNIX system users - can view and print a PDF file using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, from the Adobe web site. 
For assistance in downloading and installing the software, see Adobe Acrobat Reader Troubleshooting Guide at Adobe's Web Site. Adobe also has information about PDF and the visually challenged.

 Be sure to download the latest version of Acrobat Reader (at least 4.0) to ensure your ability to enter information into the forms electronically and to save your files.

How to View PDF Files
Once the Acrobat Reader software is properly installed, you just need to click on a link to a PDF  file and it will be loaded for viewing on your computer. Note that the file is sent to your computer as a temporary file that will be deleted when you exit your browser.
 
How to Print PDF Files
When printing Adobe Acrobat PDF files from within your web browser, do NOT use the web browser print facility. Instead, use the print button at the left end of the special Adobe Acrobat tool bar, which appears immediately above the viewing window..

How to Save PDF Files
To download without viewing, place the cursor over the link to the pdf file, hold down the shift key and click the mouse. This should bring up the "Save As" window.

To save the file (to ensure that information you have entered into the fillable fields) you must click on the save icon which looks like a floppy disk, and save the file to your desired location.

Adobe, Acrobat, and the Acrobat logo are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft