A PDF (Portable Document Format) document is a computer file that is opened and viewed using the Acrobat Reader program. GDSHS (Greater Detroit Soaring & Hiking Society) uses the Acrobat PDF format to distribute information as it allows us to have one document that can have images, styled text and is an easy to read/print format without needing an expensive program to view. Acrobat Reader is freely available from Adobe Systems at http://www.adobe.com. If you do not already have Acrobat Reader installed please download and install it from the Adobe Web Site.

There are two ways to view a PDF file, both of which require the Acrobat software to be installed on your computer. The first way (which is strongly recommended) is to save the file to your hard drive and then open the document. The second way to view a PDF is directly in a web browser (Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, for instance). Viewing in the web browser is only recommended for small documents.

Windows Users

1. To download for later viewing

a. Find the link to the Acrobat file on the GDSHS web site you wish to view
b. Point the mouse cursor to the link and press the right mouse button
c. From the pop-up menu choose "Save target as..."
d. Navigate to a location on your hard drive where you wish to save the file and choose "Save"
e. At the end of the download Acrobat Reader will launch (if it has been installed properly and launched previously) and the downloaded file will be displayed

a. Find the link to the Acrobat file on the GDSHS web site you wish to view
b. Point the mouse cursor to the link and click the left mouse button
c. The first page of the Acrobat file will open (in the browser window) and basic navigation (zoom, print, next page, etc.) tools will be available. Larger, multi-page files may not display properly when viewing in the browser window, so method one is highly recommended.

Macintosh Users

1. To download for later viewing

a. Find the link to the Acrobat file on the GDSHS web site you wish to view
b. Point the mouse cursor to the link and press and hold the mouse button
c. From the pop-up menu choose "Save link as..."
d. Navigate to a location on your hard drive where you wish to save the file and choose "Save"
e. At the end of the download Acrobat Reader will launch (if it has been installed properly and launched previously) and the downloaded file will be displayed

a. Find the link to the Acrobat file on the GDSHS web site you wish to view
b. Point the mouse cursor to the link and click the mouse button
c. The first page of the Acrobat file will open (in the browser window) and basic navigation (zoom, print, next page, etc.) tools will be available. Larger, multi-page files may not display properly when viewing in the browser window, so method one is highly recommended.