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What Is a PDF File?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. PDFs are usually used for documents that are only intended to be read, not edited. These files will have .PDF at the end. These are different from .DOC files, which come from word processors and can be opened, changed, and saved again.
You might need a PDF to electronically file with the court, to email to another party, or to send to an agency. PDFs make sure that your documents look the same on any computer or device and cannot be easily changed after you submit them.
Making Documents into PDF Files
Many of the documents created by Michigan Legal Help Do-It-Yourself tools are already PDF files and ready to download. You may need to turn other documents, like Word files or photos, into PDFs.
Save or Print as a PDF
Many apps and programs include a way to create a PDF when you "save," "print," "download," or "share" a document. Look for a "Save as PDF" or "Print to PDF" option in these menus. This will save your document as a PDF without printing it on paper.
When saving, give your files clear names that will make sense to you later.
Scan Paper Documents
If you have a paper document, you can scan it to create a PDF. There are a few ways to do this.
Scanner apps on your phone or tablet use your camera to scan documents and create PDF files. Examples include Adobe Scan, CamScanner, and Genius Scan. Many phones and tablets also have built-in scanning features. To find out if your device has this option, try searching the internet for your device name and "scan documents" (for example, "iPhone scan documents" or "Android scan documents"). Michigan Legal Help does not recommend any specific software. Make sure you use a scanner app or built-in scanning feature, not your regular camera app. Scanner apps process the image to create a clear, readable PDF. Regular photos can be too dark or blurry.
Physical scanners can also turn paper documents into PDFs. Many libraries have scanners you can use. You can also visit our Self-Help Centers page to find a legal self-help center near you. Most of them have printers and scanners available to the public.
If you are scanning a document, make sure the document is prepared so that the scan will be clear and readable:
- If there is handwriting on the document, make sure it is in dark ink and that the handwriting is neat.
- Try to keep the paper in good condition without folds or wrinkles. If your document is wrinkled and you can't get another copy, do your best to smooth it out before scanning.
- If you are using a phone or tablet, use a well-lit room and a dark background, such as a dark tabletop. Do not use the camera’s zoom function. Physically move the camera closer to the document.
- Look at the scanned document before you send it. If you can’t see it clearly, the person you are sending it to will not be able to see it either. If the document is dark or blurry, try a new location with different light.
Use a Computer Program
There are programs you can download that will turn various file formats into PDF files. Some of these include Smallpdf, LibreOffice, and Adobe. Michigan Legal Help does not recommend any specific software, and the courts do not require you to use them. You can use other methods to create PDFs as well. Visit the product pages or do an internet search for more information.