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4 Software Options for Creating Beautiful PDFs and Documents
“What software should I use to create my ebook (opt-in/course materials/magazine) as a PDF?”
I get asked that question a lot and the answer is: There are many software apps that can take you from blank page, to beautiful design, to PDF.
For multi-page PDFs, you should choose software that:
- was developed specifically to handle multi-page document layout
- allows you to save out templates
- works with your computer (Mac or PC)
- has the capabilities to create the final product you need In this specific case, a PDF file.
Best Software Options
InDesign, Word, and Pages were all developed to handle multi-page documents. They allow you to easily style and edit large amounts of text, add and transform photos, and create pages with the most common document elements (margins, automatic page numbers, headers, and footers).
Size matters: Because these apps are designed to handle the specifics of page layout they produce smaller PDF files than other software options (like Photoshop).
InDesign, Pages, and Word all allow you to save out templates so you don’t have to start from scratch each time you want to create a document that uses your brand’s font and colors. This is so important for brand consistency and time savings!
Best Web App Option: Canva
If you’re creating a PDF document with just a few pages, another option is the online design app, Canva. I don’t recommend it for longer documents because it doesn’t yet have the multi-page capablities like automatic page numbers, margins, and style sheets, which allow for consistency throughout your document.
Software Pros and Cons
InDesign
- professional level design software for Mac and PC
- bigger learning curve
- more functionality
- great for multi-page documents
- easy to output pdfs
- strong template creation abilities
- accepted by all commercial printers
Best option if:
- you aren’t intimidated by learning software
- you want to create graphic-rich documents
- you want to produce documents that will be commercially printed (brochures, magazines, biz cards)
- you want to produce ebooks for Kindle and other ereaders
- you want to create templates to use as a base for designing future documents
- you’re an infoproduct biz and plan produce a lot of pdfs and other documents to sell
Cons:
- learning curve can be steep if you haven’t used Adobe software before
Cost:
$19.99/month via Adobe
Pages
- prosumer level word processing software for Macs only
- smaller learning curve
- less functionality than InDesign, similar word processing functionality to Word
- great for multi-page documents
- easy to output pdfs
- template creation abilities in Pages ’09, less functionality for templates in newer versions
Best option if:
- you’re a Mac user
- you want to create graphic-rich documents
- you want to create templates to use as a base for designing future documents (Pages ’09 and older)
- you’re an infoproduct biz and plan produce a lot of pdfs and other documents to sell
Cons:
- not good for commercial print projects
- not good for output to Kindle or other e-readers
- newer versions don’t have as much template creation functionality
Cost:
Newest version* is $19.99 from the Mac App Store. *If you want to take advantage of template capabilities, I recommend finding the older version (Pages ’09) search for “iWork ’09” on Amazon. Price varies.
Word
- prosumer level word processing software
- smaller learning curve
- less functionality than InDesign, similar word processing functionality to Pages
- great for multi-page documents
- easy to output pdfs
- template creation abilities
Best option if:
- you’re a PC user (also available for Mac)
- you want to create templates to use as a base for designing future documents
- you’re an infoproduct biz and plan produce a lot of pdfs and other documents to sell
- you want to produce ebooks for Kindle and other e-readers
Cons:
- creating graphic-rich layouts can be frustrating until you get the hang of Word
Price:
$150+ depending on which software package or subscription you purchase from Microsoft.
Canva
- web app, works with Macs and PCs
- drag and drop interface
- pre-design templates and stock photos to choose from
- can produce commercial print ready files
- smaller learning curve
- less overall functionality than Word, Pages, InDesign
Best option if:
You’re designing a small pdf (one or two pages) and want to start from a pre-designed template and get it done quick!
Cons:
- not for output to Kindle or other e-readers
- no capabilities for longer multi-page documents where you need easy editing functionality and repeatable page elements
- still in beta
Cost:
Free, plus cost of stock photos used. Canva.com
Caveats
Be sure to plan ahead for other publishing opportunities you have in mind like outputting your document for Kindle or printing your document commercially.
If you plan to also produce a traditional ebook, for Kindle and other e-readers it’s a slightly different process than designing/producing a PDF. (You’ll want to use Word or InDesign for best results.)
If you’re planning to commercially print your document, you’ll want to go with pro-level software that is capable of outputting your files in the ways that commercial printers want them delivered. (InDesign is the way to go.)
There you go, four answers to the question, “What software should I use to create my ebook (opt-in, course materials, magazine) as a PDF?” InDesign, Word, Pages, and Canva.
I know you’re going to ask this next… “How Can I Make Interactive and Fillable PDFs?” Read More
Online Resource Roundup: March 2014
Check out these online classes, programs, and resources offered by entrepreneurial women to help you live your best life. If you have an online offering available that supports women entrepreneurs please share in the comments. If you’d like to be included in future roundups, please fill out this form for consideration. Thanks!
Spotlight
This month we’re shining the spotlight on …
Wonderfuel
With: Stormy Sweitzer
Price: $97
Description: WONDERFUEL is a self-paced, online course for curious grown-ups who want to rekindle their childhood sense of wonder (and use it to fuel creativity, deep connection, and inspired action along the way). Rekindle your unique sense of wonder, ignite your creativity, fuel your spirit!
More Info
Sales Close: March 19, 2014
Congrats, Stormy!
And now, on to the full list…have fun, grow, learn, explore, live!
~~~MARCH~~~
Health & Beauty
The Tribal Quest Experience
With: Paulette Rees-Denis
Price: $68
Description: The Tribal Quest Experience is a six week online course! Tribal Bellydance and Beyond. Starts March 16th. We bring you feminine courage, nutrition and delicious healthy food ideas, meditation and journaling exercises and prompts, tribal bellydance and fitness workouts. We give you fun ideas and tools to get your Tribal Groove on!
More Info
Sales Close: March 22, 2014
Life and Relationships
Creating a family haven
With: Melitsa Avila
Price: 3 prices starting from $87
Description: How would your family life be different if you were happier, had more time with your family and had more peace and calm? Creating a family haven is a 7 week online program for busy, creative and playful moms who want the experiences they once imagined for their family.
More Info
Sales Close: March 3, 2014
Professional & Career Development
Holistic Health Business Basics
With: Jacqueline Fairbrass
Price: $85 usually $115
Description: How to a Start Holistic Health Business and Maintain It. Wishing for a sustainable practice working in the field you love? Yet frightened you have to become a ‘business person’ (think ‘Shark Tank’ or ‘Dragon’s Den’ ~argh!). This course walks you through all the steps necessary to running a holistic business with heart and soul.
More Info
Sales Close: March 31, 2014
Retreats
Coming Home: Ten Day, All-Inclusive Music, Movement & Meditation Retreat in Bali
With: Jocelyn Gordon
Price: $1995 Double Occupancy / $2395 Private Room with shared bath / $2595 Private Suite with private bath
Description: This enriching immersion on the beautiful island of Bali includes five days in Ubud – the island’s cultural center located inland – and five days in Padang Bai a sea port offering breathtaking views of the Indonesian Ocean. Your retreat experience will be deepened by Nyepi, the Balinese New Year celebration, on March 31, 2014.
More Info
Sales Close: March 28, 2014
Soul Work & Creativity
Womb Quest
With: Riikka Rajamaki
Price: TBD
Description: Womb Quest is a modern day medicine wheel, an 8-week online program designed for women who have lost an unborn child. The intention is to unlock our creative and intuitive abilities after a loss, re-gather our power and connection to your soul and make our creative holy feminine chamber shine like it has never shined before.
More Info
Sales Close: March 28, 2014
~~~APRIL~~~
Business Growth & Personal Development
Making Headway
With: Kimberly Gosney
Price: $397
Description: Making Headway is designed to help you create an amazing WordPress website in 30 days or less. Even if you’ve never heard of HTML or CSS and have no experience designing a website. If you’ve ever wanted to throw your laptop out the window, or if you’re tired of waiting on an email from a web designer Making Headway’s for you!
More Info
Sales Close: April 6, 2014 or when 10 spots are filled
~~~Ongoing~~~
Business Growth & Personal Development
Abandon Your Inner Bully: 5 Ways to Give Yourself a Break
With: Joanna Z. Weston
Price: $15
Description: Are you sick of treating yourself worse than your worst enemy? Through five daily emails, “Abandon Your Inner Bully” supports women with a history of depression, who are sick of tearing themselves down and are ready to do something about it.
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The B Word for Artists
With: Laura C George
Price: $450
Description: The B Word for Artists is designed as an all-encompassing course giving artists the tools they need to build an online presence from the ground up. (Psst – that “B Word” is “business”!) If you’re overwhelmed with building a business around your art and don’t know what to do next, this is the program for you!
More Info
Biz Therapy Session
With: Jessica Williams
Price: FREE
Description: It’s a 15 minute FREE phone chat where you tell me what is making you bang your head against the wall right now or what you’re struggling with, and I will give you at least one action step that will move you forward (and a dessert recommendation if need be).
More Info
Business Building Lead Generation Planner And Tracker
With: Caylie Price
Price: $97
Description: CThe Lead Generation Planner And Tracker PLUS Action And Accountability Group Calls is for YOU if you want to significantly grow your list and generate leads online for your business. It ensures you know exactly what actions you need to take each month to know where your next clients are coming from. Next round of bonus calls is mid February.
More Info
The Confidence Boost Project: 21 days to build confidence from the inside out
With: Joanna Byrne
Price: $60
Description: The Confidence Boost Project is a 21 day self-study program to help you learn about your own self-confidence, tools to build and develop it, and how to make it resilient.
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Creative Ambrosia
With: Victoria Prozan
Price: $179
Description: Creative Ambrosia is your ambassador to kick@ss creativity! Start getting your imagination in gear with creative inspiration from OUTSIDE the internet bubble. Something different. Something high-quality. Something thought provoking. Something innovative. Click to read all about how Creative Ambrosia will feed your imagination!
More Info
Designer/Coach/Marketer – Client Project Management
With: Cindi Schultz
Price: $850 [Jewels Branch Discount]
Description: Foothold Services works with a limited number of Designers, Coders, Marketers and Coaches so your projects can run smoothly while you focus on creating your best work for your clients. Find out how you can handle your next big project and still stay creative. *Mention this Jewels Branch special pricing with code JBPM.
More Info
Developing Discipline University
With: Trish Funk
Price: $99
Description: Your six week course that will guide you step by step through mastering self discipline in your life for good. Lives too short to live it with the “I wish I…..”. You can move mountains, you just have to start with one rock.
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The Fear Buster Sessions
With: Michelle Mazur
Price: $47
Description: A self-paced course that helps you develop a strategy to cope with your fear of public speaking. Ease your mind, speak with confidence, and know how to deal with your stress so that every presentation can be a success. Don’t let the fear of public speaking stop you from getting ahead in business & your career.
More Info
Free Your Mind
With: Beth Cline
Price: $49
Description: With the Free Your Mind program, create awareness around the energy you bring. Begin to identify your thought patterns and belief systems that may be holding you back. Learn to intentionally choose your thoughts, and believe in the power of them.
More Info
Golden Basket Club
With: Shirley George Frazie
Price: $9 – $97
Description: Starting or growing a gift basket business? Need help with gift baskets or want to learn more about this creative enterprise? Golden Basket Club is your source to make gift baskets for fun or profit. Videos, product sources, marketing support, monthly Q&As, weekly tips, one-to-one support, and much more is here for you.
More Info
Jewels Branch Creative Community
With: Christie Halmick
Price: Starting at $49/month.
Description: As a creative member you get access to a growing library of self-paced digital courses and the Jewels Branch creative community. Learn graphic design software, branding, content strategy, and more at your own speed (no more overwhelm!). Get support from other entrepreneurs on the same journey as you. Get constructive, helpful feedback from a professional graphic designer and content strategist.
More Info
Jewel Sessions
With: Christie Halmick
Price: $299 and $999
Description: One-on-one consulting, accountability, and motivation to help you get your BIG branding, marketing and digital product projects planned, started, done.
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The Mama Business Incubator
With: Megan Flatt
Price: $297
Description: The Mama Business Incubator will give you the clarity and confidence to finally declare, “I have a business.” And you’ll have the time management strategies to move forward and make it happen, all while continuing to be a great mom. Megan will tell you what to do each day so you can turn your business dreams into reality!
More Info
Next Step Session
With: Christie Halmick
Price: Free!
Description: 20 minutes of one-on-one consulting and motivation to help you plan out the next steps you need to take to get your BIG branding, marketing, and digital product projects done!
Sign up for your free session.
Pricing for YOU: How to find the right price for your products + services
With: Nahanni Faith Hartwood
Price: $19.00
Description: As an entrepreneur, pricing can feel really hard! There’s a lot of conflicting info out there, and it’s easy to get stuck on what to charge. In Pricing for YOU, I teach you quick, simple methods for tuning in to your intuition to find the right price (that you feel good about!) for your products + services. Video workshop + pdf.
More Info
Rock-solid Social Content Strategy Session
With: Jackie Johnstone
Price: $199
Description: Keep your Facebook or Twitter stocked with fresh content your community will love! I’ll help you brainstorm and write posts to attract and engage your ideal client–when we are done you’ll have a whole month’s worth of solid Facebook or Twitter posts and, best of all, the tools to do it all yourself next month!
More Info
Tame Your Digital Clutter – email e-course
With: Cindi Schultz
Price: $279
Description: This is a unique email e-course that will save you time and frustration. Never lose track of digital content again – Tame Digital Clutter with confidence.
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Websmacked easy, beautiful and fast WordPress sites.
With: Sarah Yost
Price: $395
Description: Ready to finally get your website? We will create your website for you in a week. We build simple + elegant sites on WordPress. We’ll walk you through the whole process so you can erase overwhelm and get your site going stress-free.
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The ZAP!
With: Helene Scott
Price: $297.00
Description: When you unleash your unparalleled spark, you become a magnet to your people. Make it easy for them to find you. Without a doubt the most effective way to STAND OUT online is by infusing YOU into your website/brand/message. In this 1:1 session we roll up our sleeves and unleash yours.
More Info
Finances
Easy AirBnB
With: Jack Middleton
Price: $99
Description: AirBnB is one of the fastest growing websites in the world. It’s also your opportunity to turn your spare room, empty caravan or garden shed into extra cash. The EasyAirBnB online training will show you how to optimise the income you can earn, an easy way to supplement your income whilst growing your business.
More Info
Personal Finance Transformation
With: Trish Funk
Price: $129
Description: Your six week course to transforming your relationship with your finances.
More Info
Health & Beauty
Defeat Your Beast
With: Evan Hennigar w/Tina Hennigar
Price: $15
Description: My son suffers from anxiety, and we decided that, since there were few tools and resources available to anxious children (that weren’t written by doctors who don’t suffer from anxiety), that he would write his own! His children’s book and 10-Top Tips To Defeat Your Anxiety is perfect for young children.
More Info
Foot Reflexology Long Distance Training Program
With: Jacqueline Fairbrass
Price: Special Beta-testing $885
Description: Reflexology is simple, easy to learn and there’s a growing market for it as a wellness modality. The best part though is that you can now choose to study REMOTELY, no matter where you are in the world. Our NEW distance-learning program brings the classroom to you. You’ll have instantaneous access to your lessons anytime.
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Kids and Lunch
With: Renee Baude
Price: $100
Description: I offer personalized lunchbox makeovers for you or your kids! We talk, we email, I send you ideas and suggestions based on what works for you. I create a monthly plan of lunches, broken down by week and a shopping list.
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Lighten your Load
With: Chivon John
Price: $19.99
Description: Are you tired of saying that you’re fine, when you really want to admit that you’re not? Lighten your Load is a 21 day self-paced ecourse designed to help you burn your cape, bring ease back to self-care and your permission slip to take inspired action to make yourself the priority.
More Info
One-on-One SPARK Session
With: Krissy Ruddy
Price: $199
Description: I offer customized one-on-one coaching through my signature SPARK Sessions where I share with you my most transformative tools and give you easy to implement, personalized advice to create an amazing life and a body to match. Get the “spark” you need to lose weight, have more energy, and have more freedom in your life.
More Info
Spinal Embryology Meditation – an Audio and e-booklet
With: Narelle Carter-Quinlan
Price: $27
Description: 28 min MP3 audio track, includes a 17-page E-booklet. As I sink into my own experience of coming into form, my body re-members; Choices. Creation. Unfolding. As I travel again through my fluid field, my opening potentiality, I return to the felt experience of my midline emerging. Awareness arises. Changes happen in this place!
More Info
Stress Resilient: A recharging program for the modern woman
With: Jen McLaughlin
Price: $250
Description: Stress Resilient: A Recharging Program for the Modern Woman is a 6-module self-paced online course filled with science-based, practical wellness advice, a fresh voice on ancient techniques, and at least a few laughs. Includes: Over 40 videos, broken down into manageable pieces, coaching worksheets, yoga, meditations, & recipes.
More Info
Life & Relationships
Create Your Nomadtopia: Home Study Edition
With: Amy Scott
Price: $97
Description: Create Your Nomadtopia is an online program designed to help people reach location independence and create the ideal life for their nomadic soul. Through six modules of audio lessons, checklists, worksheets, and resources, experienced nomad Amy Scott guides you to identify what your ideal life looks like and make it a reality.
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The Free 21Day OooCamp: make orgasm your rocket fuel
With: Michele Lisenbury Christensen
Price: FREE
Description: What would your life be like if you experienced a whole lot more pleasure? What would become possible with consistent play and turn-on in your body and your day? LET’S FIND OUT. I designed this free 21-day experience to give women a glimpse of who they’re meant to be. You were born for pleasure. I’ll help you prioritize it.
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Happy & Healthy is a Choice: A Spiritual Workbook on Radical Self-Care and Self-Love
With: Rosa Conti
Price: FREE
Description: People often ask how I stay inspired; this workbook shares my how. This 47-page FREE guide explores 8 meaningful self-care areas, and offers practical, loving, and useful examples for protecting your time, your choices, and your personal world.
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The Heart Stopping Sessions
With: Laura Jelinek
Price: $297
Description: Whether you’re in a relationship or single, if you’re a strong woman who is tired of feeling lost & on a roller coaster when it comes to men, I can help. You’ll get 4 weeks of customized consulting & coaching designed to help you finally communicate with men in an effective and rewarding way. Free intro sessions available.
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My Organized Chaos
With: Jo Ebisujima
Price: $497
Description: Busy moms, I can help you organize your kids so that they become more independent and helpful around the home. Freeing up your time so you have more time for the fun stuff! Having more independent kids and a more organized home will also reduce stress, reduce fights and bickering and promote a helpful and more caring atmosphere.
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Soundboard Session
With: Renee Pena
Price: Free
Description: It’s a 20 min session where we talk about whats on your parent mind on any education issues come up for your young child.We tackle one problem and come up with a practically and customized solution.
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Soul Work & Creativity
Creative You 8 Week Online Course
With: Kathie Holmes
Price: $97.00
Description: Supporting women in achieving their dreams of owning their own business. Our course delves deep to identify your unique creative ability and then takes you through step by step to create your online business. In addition, you will be fully supported through our exclusive Facebook Mastermind Group.
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Kakadu – a journey into country in image and small word
With: Narelle Carter-Quinlan
Price: $27
Description: Photo E-book. 56 pages, full colour. During October 2013 I travelled to Kakadu. The end of the dry, what I found was water. And rock. An echo of my own terrain, of bone and fluid. The land etched itself into me, searing my tissues. A visual and visceral encounter. Of Country. Lush vibrant images to take into your heart.
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Temple of Tales: Persephone and Your Power
With: Hayley ‘Haloquin’ Addis
Price: £59
Description: A four week video-ritual journey into magic to guide you in stepping into your true self and your power to change the world! Become Queen of your life with Persephone, able to choose the shape of your life every day, to know what matters and to weave more of what is truly important to you into your life ever moment.
More Info
Share and spread the word about these awesome courses!
If you’d like to be included in the next roundup, please fill out this form for consideration. Thanks!
Read MoreGood Reads: Beginning Projects + Perfecting Your Craft
If reading were an Olympic sport I’d get the gold. Here are some of my favorite blog reads from the last few weeks. Good reads from around the web to help you build your business.
#1: How I Begin A Project
Designer Cameron Moll shares how he starts creative projects (print, web, video, promo campaigns).
- “Short answer: It varies. Pretty widely.”
Read now if: thinking that there’s a “right” way to start creative projects is keeping you from moving forward. (pssst: there’s no right way to get started!).
#2: How to Hire a Programmer to Make Your Ideas Happen
An oldie, but goodie from programmer Derek Sivers.
-
“Dream the big dream of everything your site/service/company might be some day, and write it all down.
But then think of the bare minimum that would make you happy, and people would find useful.”
Read now if: you are getting ready to start a big project (app development, website, course/membership site) and need to figure out exactly what the project looks like and what kind of technical or other support you need.
#3: How to Get Damn Good at Your Craft
Artist Mars Dorian breaks down his system for consistently improving his craft.
- “If you listen to interviews with engineers and other technical minded people, you hear the same stories. Back in the day, they’d take apart their grandma’s radio just to see how it work. They’d dismantle a computer to see what each piece of hardware did. Learning by dissecting.”
Read now if: you are committed to being the best at your craft, whether it’s coaching, consulting, or art.
What have you read lately that’s really sticking with you? Please share in the comments, I’m always looking for new things to read!
Need help getting a branding, marketing, or digital product projects off the ground? Stop by for a free Next Step Session and we’ll figure out how to keep you moving forward in biz.