Last Updated: 7/18/2023 *
How to Convert to PDF
When uploading supporting documentation to the DFAP Online Application website, documents must be
in the PDF file format. PDF files reduce the size of the file, which means multiple files can be uploaded
without going over the maximum total document upload size limit of 100mb. This guide gives
information on how to ‘save’ or ‘convert’ files into PDF format.
PDF files can be created in many ways, including, but not limited to scanning paper documents and
saving as PDF files, converting and saving electronic documents as PDF files, downloading an app such as
Adobe Scan, or utilizing the ‘Scan Documents’ option in the Notes app on your iPhone or iPad.
Below is information on four common methods. For other methods, extensive information can be found
on the internet. Use the links below to jump to instructions for the desired method:
• iPhone
• Scan Using Your Home Scanner
• Microsoft Word
• MacOS
How to Convert to PDF
iPhone
To scan a document using your iPhone, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Notes
Open the Notes application on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scan Documents
Select the ‘Camera’ icon, then click ‘Scan Documents’.
Step 3: Scan and Save
Once the documents are clearly visible on the screen, click the ‘Shutter’ button just as you would for
taking a picture. When the scan is done, click ‘Save’ or add additional scans to the document.
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How to Convert to PDF
Scan Using Your Home Scanner
If you have a scanner but are unsure how to scan documents and save as PDF files, follow the steps
below. Process may vary depending on the scanner you are using.
Step 1: Open the Scanner Program
Open the program that you usually use with your scanner. Select the ‘Scan’ option.
Step 2: Scan Options
Click on the button or menu item that lets you customize scan options. This control will be named
something like ’Settings’, ‘Customize’ or ‘Options’. This may be under the ‘Tools’ menu heading if you’re
having difficulty finding it.
Once located, click the control that allows you to specify the type of file you want the scan to save as.
The control will be called something like ‘Image Format’, ‘Type’ or ‘Save As Type’. Select the ‘PDF’ option.
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How to Convert to PDF
Step 3: Scan and Save
Ensure the document is placed in the correct position on the scanner, then click the ’Start’ or ‘Scan’
button to scan the document. Once scanned, select ‘Save’. Give the PDF file an easily identifiable name,
then save it in a specified location.
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How to Convert to PDF
Microsoft Word
To save a Word document as a PDF file, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open the Word Document
Firstly, you should open the desired document, and click ‘File’.
Step 2: Save As
Next, you should follow these steps in order:
1. Select ‘Save As’ from the options column on the left.
2. Give the document a Title.
3. Select ‘PDF’ from the document type dropdown.
4. Click ‘Save’
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How to Convert to PDF
MacOS
To save a file as a PDF on an Apple Mac, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Preview
Open the desired file in ‘Preview’, select ‘File’, then click ‘Export as PDF’.
Step 2: Save
Give the PDF file a name, select the location where you want to save it, then click ‘Save’ to finalize the
process.
