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Instructions for Using PDF Files

Using PDF forms requires the Adobe Acrobat reader (5 or higher). If you don't have a copy of Acrobat reader, go to Adobe's web site and download the latest version. It's free, and installation is simple.

When you click on the link to the application form it will open in your browser. You can then click on save icon (looks like a diskette) on the Acrobat Reader toolbar to save the Application form on your computer. You may then open the form, print it and fill it out by hand if you choose.

Completing the form on your computer

1. Fill out the form, using the mouse or tab key to move between fields
2. Choose File and Print, or click on the Printer icon on the Acrobat Reader toolbar
3. In the Print dialog box, make sure that the Print as image, Shrink oversized pages to paper size and expand small pages to paper size options are checked, choose the printer you want to print to, then click OK; the form will print out on your printer

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Instructions for Completing the Application Forms

• Move in the document by clicking the mouse in an open blank (for vertical and horizontal movement) or by using the enter, or tab keys.
• Limit your response to each item to the space provided.

We suggest that you experiment with the forms in advance of the application deadline. Because this is a form, it does not have all of the features of word-processing (i.e., you cannot format your text with bold or italics, and you cannot use the spelling check feature).  Editing lengthy amounts of text can be cumbersome in this format. You may find it easier to compose and edit any large blocks of text first in a separate document, and then to use the copy and paste function on your computer to place the text into the form. NOTE: The application forms are protected documents. The fonts and fields are locked so that they cannot be changed.

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Submitting the Application Form

The completed application form must be mailed to the South Carolina Arts Commission on printed pages as part of the application package.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The completed application form must be mailed to the South Carolina Arts Commission on printed pages as part of the application package.

Application forms may be completed on your computer, printed out, and mailed. To use the PDF forms, you first need to download and install the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader. You may save the form itself to your computer to complete later, but you will NOT be able to save the information you enter into the form with the free Reader. You must complete the form and print it in the same session.

When I follow the link to the PDF file, all I get is a blank page.

PDF files are large and take longer to load than a standard web page. Give it a little extra time. If you've waited and still have a blank screen, you may have a problem with your Acrobat Reader. Download and install the lastest version (free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/). If you're still having problems, you may want to get rid of your current version, then download and install the new version. 

When I download the forms I get boxes or an error message.

Sounds like you are using an earlier version of Acrobat Reader. Download and install the lastest version (free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/). If you're still having problems, you may want to get rid of your earlier version, then download and install the new version.

Can you save information on these forms?

No, you cannot save the information you enter into the form when using the free Acrobat Reader. You will need to print a copy for SCAC and a copy for yourself. Tip: If you can't complete the entire form at one time, you can do a page at a time and print each page as you finish.

When I print the form it comes out blank.

In the print dialog box, make sure that the "Print as image" option is checked.

Nothing works.

If you continue to have problems, we'll be glad to send you the form by fax or mail. You'll need to find a typewriter as you won't be able to complete the application on your computer.

What does PDF mean?

It stands for Portable Document Format. PDFs work on both Windows and Macs. PDFs are you used to deliver all kinds of forms on the web, include those IRS tax forms.

I downloaded Acrobat Reader and I still can't open the form.

Did you install it? After you download Acrobat Reader, you need to follow the instructions on Adobe's site for installing it on your computer.

Verify that you have a current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader:

• To determine the version of Adobe Acrobat, open Adobe from your desktop or start menu, click on help, and then About Acrobat Reader.
• If you have a version of Acrobat Reader less then 5.0, we recommend you update your reader to the latest version.
• Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader free from the Adobe website.

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Save PDF To Your PC

You may save the form itself (but not the information you enter in the fields) to your local computer. To save the file to your local PC, this can normally be accomplished as follows:

• Right click on the title link or go to your browser's File menu.
• Select "Save Target As" (Internet Explorer), "Save Link As" (Netscape), or "Save Page As" (Firefox) when presented with a menu. (If your mouse is configured for left handed operation use the left mouse button).
• Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file directly after downloading.