Frequently Asked Questions about PDF downloads

A: Adobe Acrobat Reader is a computer program that reads our downloadable plans and allows you to display and print the information on your particular computer. Adobe Acrobat produces a file type (.pdf) that is compatible with most all computer types.

You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader v.4.0 or newer installed on your computer to view and print downloadables from WOOD Online, including plans, seminars, tool reviews, charts, etc.

If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click below to obtain the latest version of this free program.

NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader is not needed for downloading, only for viewing and printing (.pdf) documents.

Download this program

A: gifs and jpg files were intended to be used for photos and simple art work only, not for detailed drawings, such as those found in the pages of WOOD magazine. Once you've downloaded one of our plans using Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can zoom in on all the details just like using a large magnifying glass while reading the pages of WOOD magazine. This feature isn't available using conventional txt, gif, or jpg files.

A: Most new computers are shipped with Adobe Acrobat Reader already installed. Because so many files are now being offered on the internet in Adobe Acrobat format, you'll be able to use this program for many other applications. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader v.4.0 or newer installed on your computer, don't worry. It is easy to install, and it is free to download from Adobe. Remember, you only have to install Adobe Acrobat Reader once to be able to use your Downloadable WOOD Plans.

A: No, we've embedded all the fonts required for the plans within the Adobe Acrobat file.

A: Yes. No need to have several programs open at once to use WOOD's downloadable plans. The pages that appear on your computer screen are just like those found on the pages of WOOD magazine. Note: The downloadable plan typically uses a few more pages than the magazine. This is because we've enlarged most of the drawings to make them easier to read on your printed-out version.

A: Yes. They should print fine using most dot matrix, inkjet, and laser printers. We've made the drawings as large as possible, typically filling up the entire 8.5 x 11" page.

A: Yes. The file is downloaded onto your hard drive to be used whenever or as many times as you like.

A: All plans originated in WOOD magazine and our sister publication Weekend Woodworking Projects magazine. All the projects were built in the WOOD magazine shop to prove the construction process and verify dimensions.

A: Each plan contains detailed step-by-step instructions on how we built the project here in our shop. The plan contains a materials list, a cutting diagram, how-to photos, and even a source for hard-to-find hardware.

A: No. Adobe Acrobat files are already compressed. Therefore, you don't need another program to unzip your plans. Depending upon the speed of your modem and the size of the project file, it normally takes about 2 to 45 minutes.

A: Legally no, this is copyrighted information. Although it is possible, we ask that you don't give away the high-quality project plans we've worked so hard to produce.

Try setting the print quality at normal or economy rather than best quality or reduce dpi to 150 rather than 300 dpi. These settings are selected in the printer setup or printer options.

Make sure your printer is set to print at 100% and that "print to fit" is not checked. These settings are selected in the printer setup or printer options.

Make sure you are using the latest printer drivers. Printer drivers are available from Hewlett Packards web site. Printer driver installation instructions are also available at their web site.

www.hp.com

Most versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader do not have a save function. You must choose a place on your computer where you would like to save the file prior to downloading. Our Step-By-Step Instructions give detailed information on downloading to your computer.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Turn off your screen saver and try again. Check your online service time-out settings. They may need to be increased or disabled.