FastLane now permits the direct uploading (and subsequent
automatic conversion to PDF) of Word documents. This saves the
intermediate step of converting documents to PDF prior to upload.
This new process is of particular benefit to those who do not use
Acrobat 3.x, since Acrobat 4.x does not readily permit the
embedding of copyrighted fonts (including most Windows TrueType
fonts).  Embedding fonts is recommended to assure the correct
viewing of the PDF document by subsequent recipients and users.

However, interesting reformating (actually, re-wrapping) problems
can unexpectedly occur when uploading Word documents directly to
FastLane.  This can cause lines, paragraphs, and even pages to
re-wrap.  This can be a signficant problem when you are uploading
a page which is at or near NSF's various page length limits;
suddenly a 15-page Project Description can re-wrap and produce 16
pages, which of course is not permitted.

To minimize the problem, make certain you set your printer
selection to Distiller (or alternatively, to another postscript
printer, either virtual or physical) when creating your various
FastLane documents in Word.  Distiller is the preferred choice.
It's best to make this printer selection prior to beginning the
document creation.  Most users elect to have Word documents
default to their physical printer, whatever it may be.  Simply
change this printer selection (FILE -> PRINT, Printer Name dialog)
to Distiller; then create your document.  This change in printer
selection causes the screen display to emulate the results that
will appear following PDF conversion, thus minimizing or
completely eliminating the often frustrating re-wrap problem that
can accompany PDF conversion.

FastLane aside, this is a good practice to adopt when creating
any document in Word which will eventually be converted to PDF.

Regards,
Stan Geidel
Systems Coordinator
Academic Research & Sponsored Programs
Ball State University

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