In Mac OS X, how do I convert a document to PDF?

Because Quartz, the graphics engine for 2D graphics in Mac OS X, is based on PDF, you can convert nearly any kind of document into a PDF file. To do so, open the document in a Mac OS X-native application that understands its format, and then from the File menu, select Print... . In the print window, click Save As PDF... . (In OS X 10.1.x and earlier, click Preview. Your computer will open a copy of the document in your default PDF viewer, usually Preview or Adobe Reader, depending on your settings.) You can then save the document as a PDF file onto your hard drive.

Several freeware, shareware, and commercial applications supplement the operating system's PDF handling capabilities, including these:

• Adobe Acrobat: With Acrobat, you can create complex documents, faithfully converting many document types into PDF. It is not an inexpensive product, but it is powerful, and the files it outputs are generally higher quality than those produced by the operating system's built-in conversion utilities.
  
  
• PStill: PStill converts EPS and PostScript files into PDF documents.
  
  
• MacGhostView: MacGhostView is an implementation of GhostScript for Mac OS. Like PStill, it allows you to convert PostScript files to PDF. It is less expensive than PStill but isn't as easy to use.
  
  
• TeXShop: TeXShop is a TeX previewer that can convert DVI files into PDF. It is freeware, but make sure you read its documentation carefully before installing.

Other applications are available; see For Mac OS X, where can I download freeware, shareware, commercial software, and software updates?

Also see:

• What is a PDF file?
• At IU, where can I find Adobe Acrobat?
• For Mac OS X, what are some useful utilities for troubleshooting and optimizing performance?
• About printing PDF files
• How do I create a print-friendly PDF file?