Navigating and Using the PDF version of your Textbook
Using the PDF version of your textbook
Most OER will have both an online/web book and PDF versions. The PDF versions of your textbook contain all the same text as the web-based versions. They may also contain:
- Text based versions of the interactive activities found in the online web book
- Text based review questions or activities
- Links to embedded videos and external resources
- Footnotes listed at bottom of the PDF page, or the end of the chapter
- Glossary terms (listed at end of PDF file in alphabetical order)
How to get started
- Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for your device (free download) if you do not already have a PDF viewer
- Review Navigating PDF pages, Adobe Acrobat for help working with the PDF of the full book
Downloading Acrobat Reader
Watch How to Download & Install Acrobat Reader on Windows 10 (5 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Amit Thinks. (2022, July 28). How to download & install Adobe Acrobat Reader for free on Windows 10/ 11 [Updated August 2022] [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8f_Lnf9njR4?si
How to Download your textbook in PDF format
How to Download your textbook in PDF format (Text version)
Download Georgian OER – Pressbooks
If your class is using an OER created at Georgian
- visit the “Accessing and Using this Textbook” page for your book
- review the table for access options
- download the whole PDF in digital (active links) or print (if desired) OR
- navigate to the heading “Download specific textbook chapters as individual files (optimized for printing)”
- download just the chapters you will use (check your syllabus)
Download Other Pressbook OER
OER without the “Accessing and Using this Textbook” page:
- go to the main page for the book
- look for the Download this book dropdown menu (download options may vary by book)
- select either:
- ePUB – used with some eBook readers
- Digital PDF – clickable links, use with internet connection
- Print PDF – optimized for printing, no clickable links
Download OpenStax OER
On the main page of the book:
- Access the Book Details page
- Look for the Download a PDF link
- Click “go to your File”
From any page in the book:
- Go to Book details using the link at top left to book title
- Look for the Download a PDF link
- Click “go to your File”
Note: You do not need to donate in order to access the file.
Navigating & Reading your PDF textbook
The full PDF version of your textbook is similar to a book or eBook. It contains
- A table of contents (clickable links in Digital PDF)
- Bookmarks to specific chapters/sections
- Page numbers
Navigating a PDF file
Watch How to Open a PDF and Navigate Acrobat (10 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Intellezy Learning. (2022, November 17). How to open a PDF and navigate Acrobat [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/jIgNQoSgbLk
Further Resources & Tips
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, this page by Jen Booth, OER Design Studio at the Georgian College Library is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
