What it Adobe Acrobat Reader?

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a piece of free software that lets you view PDF documents.

What is a PDF document?

A PDF document is a universal file format that preserves the original content (fonts, graphics, layout etc) regardless of what application was used to create it. PDF documents are frequently used on websites, and can usually be identified by the following logo:

How can I view a PDF document?

To view a PDF document you need to have installed Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you haven't got this free software it can be easily downloaded from the Adobe website. Click the "Get Acrobat Reader" logo above to connect to the Adobe site and download the software:

Assuming that you have installed the software, there are two ways to view the PDF document.

The quickest way is to just click the link, which will open up the PDF in your web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer). It may take a few minutes (depending on the speed of your connection) for the PDF to appear.

The second (and most reliable) way to view a PDF is to save it to your computer. Follow these steps:

Step 1

Right-hand click on PDF link and select the "Save Target As" option (Mac users: Hit the control button on your keyboard as you click the link and choose "Saved Linked File...").

Step 2

Navigate to an appropriate place on your computer's hard drive where the file will be saved (make a note of the file name), and click "save"

Step 3

When the file has been downloaded, open up Acrobat Reader software, select "Open". Navigate to the same folder location and file as you noted earlier and open it.

How can I print a PDF document?

PC users ONLY: If you have opened the PDF document in your browser then click the Adobe Print Icon:

Do not use the browser print option (File > Print) as this will not print out the PDF correctly.

Alternatively, if you have saved the PDF to your computer then open it up, and within Adobe Acrobat select 'Print'.

Mac users print as normal.