What is a PDF file?:

A Portable Document Format (pdf) file is a self-contained cross-platform document. In plain language, it is a file that will look the same on the screen and in print, regardless of what kind of computer or printer someone is using and regardless of what software package was originally used to create it.

Although they contain the complete formatting of the original document, including fonts and images, PDF files are highly compressed, allowing complex information to be downloaded efficiently.

Why does Canadian Relocation Systems Use the PDF format? Because pdf format allows the reliable reproduction of published material on many different platforms (requiring only the use of free reader software), it is a way to conveniently and quickly disseminate information including text, tables, and graphics.

Why PDF is for printing:

PDF was designed to specify printable pages. PDF content is thus optimized for letter-sized sheets of paper, not for display in a browser window. Users often get lost in PDF because the print-oriented viewer gives them only a small peephole on a big, complicated layout and they can't scroll it in the simple, linear manner they are accustomed to on the Web. Instead, PDF files often use elaborate graphic layouts and split the content into separate units for each sheet of print. Although this is highly appropriate for printed documents, it causes severe usability problems online.

PDF pages lack navigation bars and other apparatus that might help you move within the information space and relate to the rest of the site. Because PDF documents can be very big, the inability to easily navigate them takes a toll on users. PDF documents also typically lack hypertext, again because they are designed with print in mind.

How to Download the software:

Virtually anyone - including Windows, DOS, Macintosh, SUN, and UNIX system users - can view and print a PDF file using the free Adobe(R) Acrobat(R) Reader, from the Adobe web site.

To download the free Acrobat Reader
"Click on Adobe Logo below:

For assistance in downloading and installing the software, see Adobe Acrobat Reader Troubleshooting Guide at Adobe's Web Site.

Adobe also has information about PDF and the visually challenged.

How to View PDF Files :

Once the Acrobat Reader software is properly installed, you just need to click on a link to a .pdf file and it will be loaded for viewing/printing on your computer. Note that the file is sent to your computer as a temporary file that will be deleted when you exit your browser.

PDF files on our site are indicated by this graphic following the filename when the file is not situated on a PDF "Gateway Site" such as our "Newcomer Phone Directories":

How to Print PDF Files:

When printing Adobe Acrobat PDF files from within your web browser, do NOT use the web browser print facility. Instead, use the print button at the left end of the special Adobe Acrobat tool bar, which appears immediately above the viewing window.

When printing a pdf document, check the "Shrink to Fit" box in order for the full page and margins to print properly.

To print a pdf document while using the Acrobat Reader within your browser, we suggest that you use the Acrobat Reader's print icon that appears directly above the pdf document. We have found that this makes our documents print more accurately. The Acrobat Reader's printer icon is preferable to using the actual print icon or menu print selection on your browser.

How to Save PDF Files To save the file for later use once you have loaded it for viewing, on most browsers you just select "File" then "Save As..." from the menu bar. To just save without viewing, place the cursor over the link to the pdf file, hold down the shift key and click the mouse. This should bring up the "Save As" window.

Having problems with PDF files:

There was an error processing a page. There was a problem reading this document

Those error messages are likely caused by using an old version of the Acrobat Reader. The PDF files on the CRS website are created to be used with the 4.0 version of the reader. If your version is older (watch the "splash screen" as the reader starts up; you will see the version number displayed), you should download and install the latest version from Adobe (use link above), and make sure that your browser is configured to "point" to the latest version.

Should you experience PDF files appearing as a blank window within Internet Explorer after downloading and are using Adobe Acrobat Reader version 3.0 or earlier, please upgrade to version 5.00 or later.

If this does not resolve the issue please follow the following steps:

Use the "Save Target As" or "Save Link As" option to download the PDF file directly to your hard drive and bypass the Acrobat Reader plug-in.

* Using the right-side mouse button click on the file (click on the title link) you are interested in.

* Select the "save target as" option in Internet Explorer, or "save link as" in Netscape.

* Save as type should be "Adobe Acrobat Document" or "all files."

* Make sure you name the file (or accept the name supplied).

* Know the location of where you are saving it.

* Hit save.

* Use the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file after downloading.