Creating full-featured PDFs in OpenOffice
LUXURY EXPORT
The PDF format has many useful features that make it easier for readers to find their way around large documents, but the native PDF export function in OpenOffice doesn’t allow many of these elements. We’ll show you how to create better PDFs in OpenOffice with the ExtendedPDF macro.
Today’s PDF files not only include text and images, but also features such as links, bookmarks, and author’s notes that will not appear in the printed version. These goodies are not intended for printing, but they do improve the user experience for someone who is viewing the file on screen with Xpdf, Kpdf, or Acrobat Reader. Unfortunately, the native PDF export function in OpenOffice [1] is very simple and does not include some of these advanced PDF features. OpenOffice 2.0 will provided enhanced PDF export features ([2] and Box 1), but in the meantime, if you want to create more user-friendly PDFs in OpenOffice 1.1, you can use an OpenOffice extension
called ExtendedPDF [3]. ExtendedPDF is implemented as a macro. The Open edition of ExtendedPDF is released under the GPL. The commercial “Professional” and “Universal” versions cost GPB 20 each and add copy protection (PDF refers to this as “Document Security”), email support by the manufacturer, and a simpler installation procedure, but the free Open edition has everything you need to create attractive PDF output.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.