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What about patterns that aren’t PDFs?

knitCompanion Posted on by
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What about patterns that aren’t PDFs?

We all have patterns in books, from websites, or that are documents other than PDF. There are many ways to transform just about anything into a PDF. Most all word processor, spreadsheet programs, note taking programs, etc, offer the option to create a PDF.  See below for a variety of platform specific options for making a PDF from just about any format:

iOS 11 and higher

  • Paper to PDF (Notes Document Scan)
    1. Open the Notes app on your device. (standard apple notes app)
    2. Tap to make new note and tap the Plus. Show Me
    3. Tap Scan Documents.
    4. Take a picture of the first page of your pattern.
    5. If needed, align the edges. Notes will use this to ensure your scan is square and even. You can retake your picture if needed.  Show Me
    6. Tap Keep Scan, then tap Done at the upper left.
    7. If you have more than one page, repeat steps 4-6 for each page. 
    8. When all pages are scanned tap Save.  Show Me
    9. Tap the Share button and then select knitCompanion. Show Me
  • Web Pages (HTML) to PDF
    1. Use Safari to view the web page.
    2. Tap the Share button in the top menu bar and select Print.
    3. Use 2 fingers and spread them apart on the small image being shown in the Print dialog. 
      Show Me
    4. Tap the Share button again (now for the PDF) and select knitCompanion.
  • Image to PDF 
    1. View the image.
    2. Tap the Share button in the top menu bar and select Print.
    3. Use 2 fingers and spread them apart on the small image being shown in the Print dialog. 
      Show Me
    4. Tap the Share button again (now for the PDF) and select knitCompanion.
  • Other files such as documents, etc to PDF 
    1. View the file.
    2. Tap the Share button in the top menu bar and select Print.
    3. Use 2 fingers and spread them apart on the small image being shown in the Print dialog. 
      Show Me
    4. Tap the Share button again (now for the PDF) and select knitCompanion.


Computer

  • Many web browsers for both Windows and Mac offer an option to print as PDF. This option is available from the
  • Print menu. If your browser of choice does not offer this option, there are many free plugins. Here is a small sample:
  • There are many websites that offer free conversion of any URL to a PDF:
  • Tips for scanners
    • You do not need a super hi-res scan when doing a flat bed scan. Keep a lower dpi (dots per inch) such as 150.
    • Before making a PDF, be sure to "square" the scan or image.  Many of the apps listed above provide features to help you square the image and some also provide features to correct distortion caused by the book binding.


Disclaimer: kC is not affiliated with any of these apps or websites. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the options, but it should get you started. For more feedback from a wide range of users visit our Ravelry Group.

On your Device


On a PC, many applications for web browsing and file editing offer a direct "Print as PDF" option for digital files. For paper use a scanner.

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