Create a PDF

userEducator Xello productXello 6-12 Time5 minutes

To upload a recommendation letter or teacher evaluation you've written for a student, it must be uploaded in PDF format. You can write your letter in whatever program you feel most comfortable with, but Microsoft Word and Google Docs are recommended. Once you've finished writing the letter, convert it to PDF and upload it into Xello.

From the list below, pick the program you've written your content in to learn how to convert or export it to PDF.

noteNote: Wording can vary depending on the software version you have. What's written below may not be exactly what you see on your end.

Microsoft Word

If you're using Microsoft Word to write the recommendation letter, depending on whether you have a Windows or Mac, follow the below steps to convert it to a PDF:

Windows

  1. With the letter open in Microsoft Word, click File then select Save As.
  2. Choose a location to save the PDF.
  3. Name your document in the Enter file name here field.
  4. Beneath where you entered the file name, click the dropdown to change the file type and select PDF (*.pdf).
  5. Click Save.
  6. Locate the PDF in the location you selected earlier.

Mac

  1. With the letter open in Microsoft Word, click File, then select Save As.
  2. Name your document in the Save As: field.
  3. Select a location to save it using the Where: dropdown.
  4. In the File Format dropdown, under Export Formats, click PDF.
  5. Click Export.
  6. Locate the PDF in the location you selected earlier.
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Google Docs

If you're using Google Docs to write the recommendation letter, follow these steps to convert it to a PDF:

  1. With the letter open in Google Docs, click File and select Download.
  2. From the menu click PDF document (.pdf).
  3. Locate the file wherever your downloads are saved.
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Notepad (Windows)

If you're using Notepad to write the recommendation letter, follow these steps to convert it to a PDF:

  1. With the letter open in Notepad, click File, then select Print....
  2. In the Selected Printer section, click Microsoft Print to PDF.
  3. Click Print.
    • Don't worry, it won't actually send it to a printer.
  4. Choose a location to save the document, and name it.
    • Ensure that PDF Document (*.pdf) is selected in the Save as type: dropdown.
  5. Click Save.
  6. Locate the PDF in the location you selected earlier.
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Pages (Mac)

If you're using Pages to write the recommendation letter, follow these steps to convert it to a PDF:

  1. With the letter open in Pages, click File, then select Export To.
  2. From the menu select PDF.....
  3. Ensure PDF is selected and click Next....
  4. Name your document in the Save As: field.
  5. Select a location to save it using the Where: dropdown.
  6. Click Export.
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