Cool OSX Tip for converting long web tut pages to PDF

[riki]

Just found this cool tip for converting long html web pages to PDF files (which could come in handy for anyone wanting to download LW tuts). Maybe everyone knows about this already?? Anyway for those that don't.

1. Load up the web page in your browser.
2. Go File>Print
3. The hit the "Preview" button and this creates a file which you can save out as a pdf.

[drclare]

Yeah, i think must of us should have known. Actually you can even just go to output options, then choose save as file, and it will save a PDF for you. OSX rocks huh! Glad you're on board now.

[Ade]

Sometimes it doesnt save the whole page but only what part of the scrolled page is visible. I like I.E scrap book function to be more reliable..

[Johnny]

not to throw a stick into the spokes, but I hate the way that method of making a PDF will rudely chop some pages, sometimes in mid-paragraph.

you do end up with a useable PDF with all the stuff, but I wish that Apple could look into improving the way web pages are divided in the process.

J

[vnnt]

Thanks for the tip. I used to use the IE save as web archive or whatever, but this seems better. Here is a strange "tip" I didn't know about until recently. You can copy and paste actual files. like if you wanted to copy a model to back it up before you alter it, just command c the file and paste it into another folder. Strange! Is this something new? :confused:

[drclare]

Seems new, windows has had this feature for a while. Of course an easy way if you have the two folders open in a different window is to option+drag the file. That's the good o' Mac way.

[riki]

Yeah option+drag is a useful shortcut, I use all the time.

Also useful is a variation of SHIFT+CMD+4 for screenshots.

Instead try SHIFT+CNTRL+CMD+4 which copies to the Clipboard.

The clever part about this is if you use the Apple 'Mail' email APP you can paste the image from the clipboard straight into the body of an email.

It's a great time saver for sending screenies to clients.

[riki]

not to throw a stick into the spokes, but I hate the way that method of making a PDF will rudely chop some pages, sometimes in mid-paragraph.

Yeah it needs some improvement. But I'm finding that the results are useable.

Also from another perspective, some of my clients occassionally want html pages converted to PDFs. Which is a real pain, laying them out in AI and reformating the text again. I was able to setup a custom html template specifically for this purpose and use the above technique to save me a lot of grief.

[vnnt]

I've been using those since OS9, but ever since I got this dual G5, im being forced into X. So it's a pretty rough transition, but a few little apps like WindowshadeX and X-Assist help smooth it over, and of course Themechanger, i like Aqua and all, but i'm so used to Platinum that i find Aqua distracting. now all i need is them pop up folders like OS9 so I can get rid of the damned Dock and i'll be set....