Nobody wants to lose all their hard work on creating a document. Library computers restart and wipe their information every night, so it is important to ensure to send yourself copies of your work. The library computers are unable to be accessed via flash or hard drive, so the best way to save your documents is via digital “cloud” or email.
Signing into Cloud or Email Service
The first place to start once you are finished with your document is signing into your email or cloud provider. Some popular providers are linked below, but you may be using a different service provider. Go onto Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to sign-in.
If you need help signing into your email, just ask!
What File Type Should I Use?
There are two most common kinds of files for documents, a .doc (or .docx) and a .pdf file.
A .docx file is a file that can be editable in document software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
NOTE: Oftentimes Microsoft Word and Google Docs are incompatible, so opening a file originally made in Microsoft Word and then opening it in Google Docs can change the formatting.
A .pdf file is a file that can be opened anywhere, but you no longer can change the formatting or language. It is the ideal type for printing and emailing. A .pdf file should be your final draft.
How to Save a .docx or .doc File in Microsoft Word
Once you are done with your document, press the “File” button in the top left corner of Microsoft Word.
Then, click the “Save As” button. Make sure it has “This PC” clicked for where to save the file.
Underneath “Downloads,” the first box is the title of your document, the untitled documents are oftentimes called "My Document." Make sure to title your document something you can remember.
The second box is the file type. If it is a “.doc” or “.docx,” press the “Save” button.
How to Save a .pdf File in Microsoft Word
Once you are done with your document, press the “File” button in the top left corner of Microsoft Word.
Then, click the “Export” button.
Click "Create PDF/XPS Document."
It will then open the file finder page. Title your document at "File Name," and make sure "Save as type" is "PDF."
Then, make sure the left bar is selecting either "Documents" or "Downloads.
Click "Publish."
Email or Cloud Save Your File
Open your email you previously signed into. Create a new email message, put your email in the "to" section, and give it a subject line you will remember (it could just be the title of your document!).
Click "Attach File," oftentimes it is a paper clip icon. It will open the file finder. Find your file, either under "Documents" or "Downloads" (whichever one you clicked before) and click "Attach."
Send your email!
Your email service provider may also offer cloud storage services (Google Drive, iCloud, Share Drive) or have accounts to alternative cloud services (Dropbox). If you have Gmail or iCloud, you can also upload the file to those cloud services.
Never heard of cloud storage? Click here to learn more about it!
NOTE: When you're done, always make sure to log out of your accounts!
Printing in the Library
If you do not wish to digitally save your file, you can always print directly at the library. Printing $0.25/page for black & white, $2/page for color, and petty cash/coin only, NO DEBIT/CREDIT CARD. Click Here for the Printing Instructions.