General Question Documentation

[T.Neo]

I've seen many addon docs in .PDF format, but I don't know how to create .PDF. Can Word processor save to .PDF?

Also, would "rich text format" be acceptable for use as documentation?

 

[TJohns]

RTF files would probably OK since a basic Windows install includes WordPad that'll handle them fine (hmmm, have to check if embedded images work??)

To create PDF files I'd recommend either using the freeware OpenOffice suite (which can export direct to PDF) or one of the many PDF Virtual Printer tools (I'd recommend PrimoPDF freeware or PDFfactory commercial)

Trevor

 

[tblaxland]

...or one of the many PDF Virtual Printer tools (I'd recommend PrimoPDF freeware or PDFfactory commercial)

+ PDF Creator (freeware, also prints to jpeg/png/tiff/gif). Plain text is also an option for simple addons.

 

[C3PO]

And http://www.pdf4u.com/

 

[TSPenguin]

I'd prefer very well done PDFs generated by TeX.
But I really like a well done text file more!

 

[Urwumpe]

I've seen many addon docs in .PDF format, but I don't know how to create .PDF. Can Word processor save to .PDF?

Use Open Office, it has a very good export to PDF as far as I know.

Otherwise, learn pdfTex. It is harder work as you program the documents and then let a program translate this into the final PDF, but produces much better PDF files...

 

[Scrooge McDuck]

Can Word processor save to .PDF?

If you use Microsoft Word, the best thing to use is Microsoft's own "Save as PDF" plugin. Can be downloaded here. If your win is non-genuine, google for SaveAsPDF.exe for alternative download location.

Otherwise, as said, PrimoPDF Free is a good solution but less stable with complex documents (use the MS plugin instead).

regards,
mcduck

 

[T.Neo]

Thanks for the help.

If your win is non-genue,

And just why would I be running illegal software?

 

[Scrooge McDuck]

And just why would I be running illegal software?

It's not meant personally, neither illegal per se (see WGA failures). Though it's just that I would also like to help everyone that belongs to the (more than) 1 out of 5 PC's in the world running non-genuine windows.

best regards,
mcduck

 

[Artlav]

1 out of 5 PC's in the world running non-genuine windows.

One out of five?
I'm yet to meet someone with genuine Windows on a non-laptop PC...

 

[Scrooge McDuck]

I'm yet to meet someone with genuine Windows on a non-laptop PC...

Yes, it's the same here, but I also think that due to culture differences, this percentage is different for other parts of the world. Microsoft stated that the number is exactly 22.3% worldwide. However, MS also confirmed that around 20% of the WGA-validations with a genuine-installation will fail (so even if your installation is absolutely genuine), due to a problem in the WGA-validation method.. Anyhow, we're going a bit off-topic now.

regards,
mcduck

 

[Andy44]

I'll vouch for PDFCreator. It's free and easy to install, even if it's not the absolute best.

 

[SPASE_1976]

open office at openoffice.org
free

 

[ar81]

RTF files are Ok, as AFAIK RTF format does not contain macros that could be potentially harmful.

 

[RisingFury]

Thanks for the help.


And just why would I be running illegal software?

Most of the software I run is illegal
I only buy software if it's really worth it.

 

[Bj]

Most of the software I run is illegal
I only buy software if it's really worth it.

Orbiter is really worth it, are you going to buy it?

I wouldn't run illegal software, mostly freeware/shareware. Any software that you download with a crack or keygen or something is most likely a virus...and at any rate, you can probably find a free program somewhere that does almost the same thing.

 

[garyw]

I'm probably one of the few people that's fully licensed.... Comes of dealing with MS on a near day to day basis I guess

I thought they pulled the Office 2007 -> PDF plugin after Adobe got upset?

 

[Hielor]

Most of the software I run is illegal
I only buy software if it's really worth it.

People like you are the reason that developers are moving away from the PC as a gaming platform.

Thanks.

 

[Y.A.X.]

I use a PDF Printer to generate PDF files.

you can download the FreePDF XP free.

 

[Scrooge McDuck]

I thought they pulled the Office 2007 -> PDF plugin after Adobe got upset?

No, it's still available