PDFs are the gold standard for sharing professional documents. They preserve formatting, work on any device, and are easy to secure. Whether you’re creating user guides, training materials, or technical documentation, a PDF manual ensures your content looks polished and is accessible offline.
Key reasons to choose PDFs:
- Universal compatibility: Opens on Windows, Mac, smartphones, and tablets.
- Security: Add passwords or permissions to protect sensitive data.
- Print-ready: Maintains layout for physical copies.
- Small file size: Optimized for emailing or uploading.
How to Create a PDF in ClickHelp
If you need to export your project, follow the next steps:
- Hover over the project name and click Publish in the hover menu.
- Choose PDF file from the Output type dropdown list and click Next.
- To make sure only ready content is exported, enable the Publish only Ready topics option and click Next.
- Choose the necessary Export Preset.
Once the exporting process is completed, you will see a link to the exported file — click it to open the file, Download to download the file, or Finish to exit the wizard.
Alternative Ways to Create PDFs
If you’re don’t need to export your documentation from ClickHelp, but still need to turn something into a PDF, you can try one of the following ways.
Method 1: Convert from Word
- Open your document in Microsoft Word.
- Go to File > Save As > Save as Adobe PDF.
Method 2: Use Online PDF Creators
Tools like Adobe Acrobat Online let you convert documents to PDF and back, sign them, edit them, and more.
Method 3: Print to PDF
- On any webpage or document, press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac).
- Choose Save as PDF in the printer menu.
FAQs About PDFs
Q: Can I create a PDF manual for free with ClickHelp?
A: ClickHelp offers various subscription plans. While there is no completely free version, we do offer a free trial that allows you to test all features, including PDF creation.
Q: How long does it take to create a PDF manual?
A: The time required depends on the size and complexity of your documentation. For small manuals, it may take only a few minutes, while large, complex documentation might take longer to process.
Q: Can I customize the PDF appearance to match my brand?
A: Yes, PDFs are customizable.
Q: Is it possible to update my PDF manual after it’s created?
A: Absolutely. Using a specified tool, you can add text, sticky notes, highlights, drawings, and more to your PDFs.
Q: Can users search within the PDF manual?
A: Yes, PDFs are fully searchable.
Q: How do I share my PDF doc with someone?
A: You can share it by uploading it to your portal or sending it via email or messenger.
Conclusion
Creating a PDF manual doesn’t have to be complicated. With ClickHelp, you can design, customize, and export professional documentation in minutes—all while keeping your content secure and easy to share.
Ready to get started? Try ClickHelp’s free trial today or book a free demo for later.
Good luck with your technical writing!
ClickHelp Team
Author, host and deliver documentation across platforms and devices
