Saving a PDF file on Windows is quite simple and straightforward. The most efficient method is usually to use the “Save” dialogue, which can be accessed by pressing CTRL+S when the PDF file is open.
When you press CTRL+S, a dialogue box will appear in which you can specify the location, file name and format of the saved file. The options at the bottom of this dialogue box will allow you to save the file in the original source format, or in another one of the listed formats. For example, if you want to save the file as a Microsoft Word Document, select the appropriate option at the bottom of the Save dialogue box. You can also change the file name or location to whatever suits you best. Once you have completed your selections, click the “Save” button which will be located at the bottom right of the dialogue box.
If the original file doesn’t contain any security settings, then the process is now completed and you should now be able to view the file in its new format. If the document does contain security measures such as password protection, you may need to enter a password before the document can be opened. If a password is needed, then the Save dialogue box will prompt you for one before it is saved.
Alternatively, if you are using a web browser, then you can use the same basic technique to download and save the file. When visiting a page containing a PDF file, your web browser will usually display a download prompt asking you to decide on a location and file name for the downloaded copy. If you do not see such a prompt, then you can usually access the download command using the browser’s menu options.
Once the file has been downloaded, you can open the file in Adobe Reader or an alternative PDF viewer where you can again use the save command to save the file in another format or location. This time however, the default extension should be different to the source file, allowing you to easily select the new format or filename. As before, if the file contains any security measures, then you will need to provide a valid password before the new file can be saved.
It is also possible to use Windows’ File Explorer to move, copy or rename PDF documents. While File Explorer does not contain specialised commands for PDF files, it allows for some basic file manipulations. To move or copy a PDF file, simply select the one you wish to amend, and press the Copy or Move buttons at the top of the window. This will then show a second dialogue box in which you can pick the destination directory. Similarly, renaming a PDF file can be done by simply selecting it, pressing F2, typing in the new name and then pressing Enter.
All in all, saving a PDF file on Windows is a surprisingly straightforward process. Whether you choose to use the Save dialogue, a web browser or File Explorer, with a few clicks, you should have no problem saving a document in a different format, or to a different location.