Creating .pdf files from .eps/.ps
(without using Acrobat Distiller)

Nuances in the generation power of LaTeX mean that it is nontrivial to produce PDF files and DVI/PS files from the same source. This is because pdflatex (which produces PDF files as output) does not accept the same set of graphics formats as input as does latex (which produces DVI files).

Therefore, in order to produce PDF files from LaTeX source, it is necessary to either (a) Buy Acrobat Distiller, which allows you to migrate PS to PDF, or (b) do this for free with GhostView. You can then either change all of your images to PDF and use pdflatex, or change the final output to PDF from generated PS format.

• Open the EPS/PS file with GhostView.
• Choose File->Convert
  • Device: pdfwrite
  • Resolution: (you choose, probably 600dpi)
  • Properties:
    • CompatabilityLevel:
      • 1.2: Acrobat 3-and-later compatible
      • 1.3: Acrobat 4-and-later compatible
      • 1.4: Acrobat 5-and-later compatible
    • EmbedAllFonts:
      • If you are using funny fonts, then make sure this is true
    • Check the rest for any other nuances you come across
• Choose your filename
• Note that the size is not exactly what Distiller would have given you. There could be many reasons for this (compatability level, picture compression, fonts embedded...) so you should only worry about it if you have problems reading the file on other computers.