Portable Document Format (PDF):
The PDF format is modeled after the PostScript language and is both device and resolution independent. Worksheets and homework assignments in the PDF format can be viewed, navigated and printed from a workstation using the freely available Acrobat Reader software from Adobe. Versions of Acrobat Reader run on Windows 95/98, Windows NT, Windows 3.1, Macintosh, LINUX, IBM AIX, Sun SPARC SunOS, Sun SPARC Solaris, SGI IRIX, HP-UX, Digital Unix and OS/2 Warp.

The most most frequently used format on SchemmScience.com is the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). This format reproduces the documents precisely as they were originally composed, provides built-in compression, is supported by all popular operating systems and is compatible with nearly any contemporary printer. The freely available Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required to view, print and search PDF documents.

Frequently asked questions:

When downloading a PDF form, my web browser window goes blank and I never receive the file.

Should you experience PDF files appearing as a blank window within your web browser after downloading, follow the appropriate steps below to resolve the issue:

Adobe Acrobat Reader
If you are using Adobe Acrobat Reader version 3.0 or earlier, upgrade to version 3.01 or later.

Internet Explorer
Please see Article ID: Q177321 in the Microsoft Support Online database for a possible resolution.

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.

• Select "PDF File Format" if necessary.
• Select the file(s) you wish to download.
• Click the "Review Selected Files" button.
• When presented with the Results page use the "Save Target As.." option to download the file. This can normally be accomplished by right clicking (left click, if your mouse is configured for left handed operation) on the title link then selecting "Save Target As.." when presented with a menu.
• Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file after downloading.

Adobe Acrobat Reader claims the PDF file is damaged when I try to open it after downloading. Is your file damaged?

All of our files are verified prior to posting on the web site. Most likely your download was not successful. Try downloading the file again.

How can I download a PDF file directly to my hard drive and bypass the Acrobat Reader plug-in that normally displays the form in my web browser window?

Below is the procedure to use for Internet Explorer with Windows 95/98 or NT 4.0. If you are using Netscape, substitute "Save Target As..." with "Save Link As...".

• Select "PDF File Format" if necessary.
• Select the file(s) you wish to download.
• Click the "Review Selected Files" button.
• When presented with the Results page use the "Save Target As.." option to download the file. This can normally be accomplished by right clicking (left click, if your mouse is configured for left handed operation) on the title link then selecting "Save Target As.." when presented with a menu.
• Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file after downloading.

Do you have any other general troubleshooting advice for resolving print problems?

• Raster vs. Vector Modes - You may get more consistent results if your printer driver is set to use Raster mode for graphics. Note, not all printer drivers have this mode.
• Dithering - Set your printer driver’s Graphics/Dithering option to Fine or Coarse for best results when printing half-tone images. A setting of None will produce poor results.
• 600dpi - If you experience problems printing to HP LaserJet printers in the 600dpi mode, try switching back to 300dpi mode or if it is equipped with a PostScript option, use the PostScript mode for 600dpi printing.
• Printer Memory Issues using PDF format - If you encounter problems, such as a "Vmerror" printing to a PostScript Level 1 or 2 printer, it may be because the printer has insufficient memory available. Below are two potential solutions to this problem:
  • In the Acrobat Reader General Preferences dialog (select from the File>Preferences menu) you may choose to use Serif only or Sans only for font substitution. This frees up additional memory in the printer and chances are good your document will print successfully.
  • Upgrade the printer’s memory.

  Information modifed from the IRS web site