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  How to refresh PDF pages

I've already given advice on refreshing moved HTML pages. The idea is, when you are moving a page, you shouldn't just delete the old file, as inbound links from various Web sites and search engines will reach a cheerless "Page Not Found" error message.

But what to do about those PDF's? The HTML instructions don't apply!

Here are simple instructions for redirecting PDF files.

Create a new file in your word processing program (Word, WordPerfect, etc.)

Type a simple message, such as "Go to [insert new URL here] for the correct page." Underline the URL, and change the color to blue. This is important because while Adobe Acrobat can create links, it does not automatically underline them or turn the text blue, and visitors will miss this important clue that the link is active!

 

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Redirect message, Web address in blue

 
 


Export the document to PDF, storing it with the same file name as the document you are moving. Open the PDF file in Acrobat. (Note: you need the full, paid version of Acrobat, not just Acrobat Reader!)

In the Tools menu, select Locate Web Addresses, Create web links from URLs in text. Acrobat will create a link from the URL in the document. Save the file and upload it to the location of the old file. The visitor will have to click the URL to go to the new page.

         
 
Menu sequence to create links from URL's
 
 
Want to see how this works? Check out my redirect for the CAHE Manuscript Proposal Authorization Form.
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Refer questions or comments to Bob Hoffmann, 509-335-7744. Accessibility | Copyright | Policies
CAHNRS Information Department, 401 Hulbert Hall, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164-6244.