Using a PDF file requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader (8 or higher). If you don’t have a copy of Acrobat Reader, download the latest version from Adobe’s web site. It’s free and safe, and installation is simple.
Once you have installed Adobe Acrobat, you are ready to use PDFs. When you click on a website’s link to a PDF, it will open either in your browser or in Acrobat Reader (we recommend the latter; check the “Troubleshooting” section of this page to learn more).
Not all PDF forms are “fillable.” If you are not able to type in your answers, you may need to print the form and fill it out by hand.
If the grant for which you are applying has a paper submission process (as opposed to an online submission), the completed application materials must be printed and mailed or hand-delivered to the South Carolina Arts Commission.
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.
Yes, the latest versions of the free Acrobat Reader will allow you to save the information you enter into the form.
If you are using an older version, you will not be able to save; we recommend updating to the latest version of Acrobat Reader.
If you continue to use an older version and cannot save, you will need to print a copy for the S.C. Arts Commission 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.
Each web browser (Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc.) has a built-in PDF reader/viewer, which automatically opens any online PDF in the browser, instead of opening it with the free Acrobat Reader. There are numerous difficulties with these browser PDF viewers, and they change often.
We recommend always using Acrobat Reader to open PDF files. You can set your browser to do this automatically; visit the Adobe website’s page on this topic to learn how. Many of the troubleshooting issues listed here can be resolved by opening the PDF in Reader instead of in your browser.
Note: The Chrome browser’s built-in PDF viewer no longer supports Adobe PDF documents. We suggest either using a different browser, or disabling the Chrome PDF viewer using these instructions >>
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 latest version. If you’re still having problems, you may need to delete your current version, then download and install the new version.
It sounds like you are using an earlier version of Acrobat Reader. Download and install the latest version. If you’re still having problems, you may need to delete your current version, then download and install the new version.
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:
In the print dialog box, make sure that the “Print as image” option is checked.
There may be a compatibility issue between Adobe Reader and your browser. If so, try opening the PDF in Adobe Reader, instead of within your browser. There are several ways to do this:
If you continue to have problems, we’ll be glad to try emailing the PDF to you. We can also send you the PDF by postal mail. (If it’s a form, you’ll need to find a typewriter as you won’t be able to complete the application on your computer.)
For additional information, please contact the Grants Team (grants@arts.sc.gov | 803.734.8695).