PDFs are a popular file type that are used like a digital worksheet and can be viewed by multiple devices and platforms. In many of our courses, assignments are created using Adobe® PDFs. To view and fill out PDFs, all users will need to open the file using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader program.

How do students and teachers use PDFs on Windows and Mac platforms?

Step 1: Download Adobe® Acrobat Reader from get.adobe.com/reader. Do not include the anti-virus software option when you download the program.

Step 2: Complete the installation by running the installer and following the directions provided.

Step 3: After Adobe Reader is installed, log into your course and locate the PDF that needs to be completed.

Step 4: When you locate the PDF worksheet, select the PDF, and DOWNLOAD the file to your computer. DO NOT attempt to open and complete the worksheet if it opens in a browser window.

Step 5: Open the Adobe Reader program. If there is an option to set this program to be the default program for PDFs, turn on that setting.

Step 6: Choose File > Open to find the file you downloaded.

Step 7: Complete the assignment, save your work, and upload it through the course submission area.

How do students and teachers use PDFs on Android devices and Chromebooks?

Step 1: When you locate a PDF worksheet, select the PDF to open it. You may need to allow the Chrome browser to store files on your device.

Step 2: Select your Google Drive and save the file to a folder in your drive by changing the title of the PDF to include your name.

Step 3: Open your Google Drive and browse to locate your file. Select the MORE menu and select SHARE. Enter the teacher’s email address and select SAVE.

Step 4: Open the file, select EDIT and fill out the worksheet. Select SAVE when you are finished.

Step 5: Finally, go back into your online course, and find the Assignment link for the activity you just finished. Press the Plus sign icon, then Choose Google document. Browse to the file on your Google Drive and press Select. Press Choose, then browse to the PDF file you’d like to turn in and select Open. Write any comments you’d like to include, then press Submit My Work.

By following these simple steps, students and teachers can easily use PDFs on Windows, Mac, Android, and Chromebook devices.

If you would like to learn how to upload assignments, please see the following articles:

How to Upload and Submit Video, Audio, and Document Files Version 1

How to Upload and Submit Audio, Video, and Document Files Version 2