Frequently Asked Questions

PDF and Download Questions

Q. I've heard about downloading. What exactly is it?

A. Downloading is the process of moving files from a computer at a far-off location to your desktop computer over the Internet or Intranet. Download links look just like any other link on the Internet. Most web sites have fairly obvious download links with information next to the link that tells you that you are starting a download. When you click on the link, you are prompted to either start the program immediately after downloading or to save the file.

Q. How do I read a PDF file?

A. A PDF file is a file format created by Adobe® that lets you view and print a file exactly as the author designed it. PDF is an acronym for “Portable Document Format.” PDF files can be shared across platforms and operating systems. Since its introduction in 1993, PDF has become the Internet standard for distributing electronic documents that faithfully preserve the look and feel of the original document complete with fonts, colors, images and layout. To read a PDF file, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader® installed on your computer. You can obtain a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader from www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html.
If you only have PPG intranet access you may obtain a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Q. What version of Acrobat Reader do I need for this site?

A. The PDFs on this site were created to be compatible with Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or greater. If you have a previous version of Acrobat Reader, you can download an updated one from one of the above mentioned URLs.

Q. How do I use Acrobat Reader?

A. Acrobat Reader enables you to view and print PDF files. After installing Acrobat Reader, double-click on a PDF file to launch Acrobat Reader and view the file. Or you can start Acrobat Reader first, then choose “File” then “Open” to view a PDF file.

If you would like to view a PDF in the web browser without downloading the file to your computer, choose the option of installing the Acrobat plug-in for your web browser when you install Acrobat Reader. Thereafter, you can view PDF files right in that browser.

Q. How do I download PDF files?

A. PDF files are available for the following sections: Logo/Constraints, Logotype and Signature/Constraints, Correspondence Materials (North America and International Packages), Printed Communication Materials (Advertising, Brochures and Premiums), Marketing Logo/Constraints, Marketing Logo Applications, Logo , Logotypes and Signatures, and Correspondence and Forms Word® Templates. You may wish to download all of the sections to create a paper copy for easy reference later.

To download a PDF file follow these steps:

1. Click on the desired PDF file.
2. In the dialog box that appears, select the button “Save to disk.” Click “OK.” A new dialog box will appear.
3. Choose the location where you would like to save your file and click “Save.” (Files downloaded to a Mac will be saved on the desktop).
4. If you have the Acrobat Reader plug-in installed, and the PDF opens in your web browser, click the button “Save a copy of the file.” Choose the location where you would like to save your file and click “OK.”

Q. How do I download PPG logo, PPG logotype and signature, or PPG marketing logo files?

A. Packages of logos, logotypes and signatures, or PPG marketing logos in multiple configurations are available for downloading in the following formats: Windows® Metafiles (*.WMF), PC TIFF files (*.TIF), and PC Illustrator® files (*.EPS) as well as Mac Illustrator files (*_EPS). Also included with each downloaded file package is an Identity Index PDF, a quick reference tool which gives: a description of the file, a visual image of the file, the file name and the file formats.

To download a file follow these steps:

1. Choose the desired logo, signature or logotype.
2. Click on the desired file format: WMF, TIF, or EPS for a PC computer or EPS for a Macintosh computer.
3. In the dialog box that appears, choose the location where you would like to save the zipped or compressed file and click “Save.” (Files downloaded to a Mac will be saved on the desktop).
4. Once the file has been downloaded, double-click on the file so it will automatically self-extract. For PCs, you will be prompted for a location where you want to save the file. Choose the correct location. Click “Unzip.”

Q. Why do the files have a three-letter extension at the end?

A. The three-letter extensions at the end of each filename identify the kind of software that will be used to open that file. It is recommended that you do not change the extensions or rename the files.

Q. Do I need any special software to download these files?

A. No. Your web browser is the only software needed. The web browser is the software you use to view web pages, such as this one.

Q. Do I have to worry about opening a compressed file after a download?

A. No. These files are self-extracting. Once the file has been downloaded, double-click on the file so it will automatically self-extract. For PCs, you will be prompted for a location where you want to save the file. Choose the correct location. Click “Unzip.” The extraction program will automatically expand all downloaded files to their normal size and state. (These extraction programs are WinZip for the PC and Stuffit Expander for the Mac. You do not need to have this software installed on your system for it to work.)

Q. Why is it taking so long to download a file?

A. There are several possible reasons for a download to take longer than usual.

1. Although the file is compressed, it may still be so large that it takes more time than other files.
2. There may be a lot of traffic on your network, which increases the time required to download your file.
3. You may have lost your connection to the server. In this case, close your browser, re-open the browser and try to download the file again.

Q. Where can I find the files I just downloaded.

A. By default, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator will save downloaded files to the current directory or folder. Macintosh users will often find files in the same folder as the Netscape Navigator application or on the desktop. Windows users will often find downloaded files in the C:\TEMP\ directory, the C:\MY DOWNLOAD FILES\ or somewhere already specified if you asked the program to save the downloaded files somewhere else.

The download location can also be specified in the “Preferences” section of your web browser. If you are not sure what directory or folder your downloads are being saved in, open the “Preferences” window in your web browser and check the location.

Q. Can I download more than one file at a time?

A. You can, but it is not recommended because it will increase your download time. In addition, if your connection to the server is lost, you will lose all of the downloads in progress and have to restart them.

Q. How do I know which file formats to download?

A. Choose the format that matches your computer. If you are using a Windows computer, download the PC files. If you are using a Macintosh computer, download the Mac files. You also must consider what application, software, you will be using in choosing file formats.

• For laser print usage: Windows Metafile (*.WMF)
• For electronic presentation usage: TIFF (*.TIF)
• For high-end reproduction and electronic usage: PC Illustrator EPS or Mac Illustrator EPS (*.EPS)

Q. I keep getting a message that I cannot access the download area. What does this mean?

A. More than likely, it means that you have not logged on or that you have logged on incorrectly. Verify your correct user name and password with your network administrator. If you still cannot access the area, ask your network administrator for assistance.

Q. I’m getting a message saying “corrupt file.” What does it mean?

A. Computer files sometimes break, become unworkable, and when they do, they are considered “corrupted.” This is one of the major reasons to backup your program and data files, so you can reinstall the file from the backup when this happens.