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PDF file char substitution (Family group records and pedigree charts)

DW358
DW358 ✭
September 6, 2022 edited September 6, 2022 in Suggest an Idea

When adding data or notes to a saved PDF file often times some char are replaced. This does not occur in all PDF files but it is repeatable.

Family group records - As an example of the issue, I have used the family group record for Joseph Smith Sr and have typed char in the other parent spouse field of the form. The char sub is NOT limited to just this field, but it is a clear area to demonstrate the issue. This family group sheet is better than most since all the upper case letters work. Reloading and saving the sheet does not resolve the issue.

Pedigree charts - As an example of this issue, I have used the pedigree chart for Joseph Smith Jr and have type char in the notes section of the form.

Since the upload does not allow PDF files to be uploaded, I have saved screen captures of these examples.

Sample FGR.png
Sample PC.png


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Active · Last Updated September 6, 2022

Comments

  • Debra L Sharp
    Debra L Sharp ✭
    September 18, 2022

    I need a recommendation on pdf that is compatible with editing the family charts and uploading materials in Family Search.

    I use to have a pdf that I can add information to the downloaded family chart. Now the pdf is only readable.

    My son provided me with pdf but it's complicated to use and doesn't upload into Family Search. I think it is due to being cloud base.

    Help!

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  • genthusiast
    genthusiast ✭✭✭✭✭
    September 18, 2022 edited September 19, 2022

    @Debra L Sharp

    I need a recommendation on pdf that is compatible with editing the family charts and uploading materials in Family Search.

    Your query could have multiple answers. Basically, I think the answer is that you can use any PDF editing application you would like to create and edit the PDF to the point you are ready to upload it to FamilySearch.

    PDF is an acronym for portable document format - a way to transfer to the file to any operating system and have the document appear as it was created. When uploading the file to FamilySearch there is a 15Mb file size limit. Once you upload it to FamilySearch - I believe that process may convert it to a specific - FamilySearch type of PDF (I am not sure what PDF specification FamilySearch uses)- in other words it will or should contain - the file you uploaded but does not necessarily (in my experience) remain editable/searchable should you download the file from FamilySearch to your computer. If you wanted to edit that same file again - you would probably need to revert to the original file you created/edited initially on your computer - not the file you downloaded from FamilySearch. Then you would need to delete the file you previously uploaded to FamilySearch and upload the newly edited version. It has been a while since I tested uploading a native scanned multi-page (some scanners allow you to specify whether your file contains multiple pages), searchable PDF to FamilySearch - I do not recall if the multi-page aspect was preserved well - but the searchable PDF was converted to non-searchable.

    It sounds like you have older family group sheets/books of remembrance that you are trying to convert to PDF and upload? So the answer to your questions might depend on whether you want to include the image of your old paper sheets in the new digital file OR if you just want to recreate those documents in a digital format. Some FamilySearch Family History Centers or Libraries may have scanners that can help you convert these to PDF (the FHL in Salt Lake City for example does have this capability). Once they are converted to PDF images/layers - in order to edit those is a different matter - there are many PDF file editors out there - basically find the one you like to use. Some scanners may include a PDF editor application so that you can edit the file you scan. Most common document/word processing applications include the capacity to convert your document to the PDF format. You could recreate the document (similar to indexing/transcribing) making a digital version that does not include the old document image/layer. FamilySearch allows the upload of image files and document files - perhaps the easiest way to preserve an old document is to take a picture of it and upload that image file (with the 15Mb file size limitation). You will need to open the image to assure it contains a quality reproduction of the document.

    I have suggested the Idea that FamilySearch develop some cross-functional capacity to use the Indexing application with Memories - to automate/allow anyone to convert their own home family documents/repository into searchable images/documents. Essentially then once you were done uploading your document images you could then convert them to a digital/searchable version (PDF file for example). You can accomplish this with the current Memories application but with the digital transcribing/indexing done on your end (in whichever document/word processor you choose) without FamilySearch - hopefully such cross-functionality can be developed in the future if it is determined that such development would provide an advantage (but I can see how it could use more development resources than needed to 'recreate the wheel'). The reason I like this idea is that the genealogical process is the same whether you are an individual documenting your own home shoebox/source box or whether you are a larger record custodian/library - you work by gathering the images/documents that you have, then analyze/exhaust all the family/relationship data you can and create a citation scheme for such data.

    I hope this brief explanation helps somewhat and does not confuse further.

    0
  • Debra L Sharp
    Debra L Sharp ✭
    September 19, 2022

    What pdf format do you use for your desk top?

    0
  • genthusiast
    genthusiast ✭✭✭✭✭
    September 19, 2022 edited September 19, 2022

    I mainly use multiple depending on several factors (mainly file format of those I am sharing with - sometimes the PDF format between different solutions does not display well):

    OpenOffice, GoogleDocs, Adobe, OneDrive, Portableapps

    0
  • Julia Szent-Györgyi
    Julia Szent-Györgyi ✭✭✭✭✭
    September 19, 2022

    "What pdf format do you use" doesn't make sense: pdf _is_ a format.

    0
  • DW358
    DW358 ✭
    September 26, 2022

    I have been away for my post and have just gotten caught up on the comments. Some of the information given is a bit misleading. MANY pdf editors (including paid) are not able to correctly open the complicated PDFs generated. Some of the editors drop the 'field labels' and other lose information stored.

    A free and consistent way of looking and editing data is with chrome in a windows environment, not sure on apple.

    You are unable to edit some of the data. (ie. My uncles wife has been marked desceased and is not, I am not able to 'redline' this information either use Chrome of Adobe).

    There is still a char substitution issue regardless of using Adobe or Chrome that I am hoping to get resolved. (see the attached sheets)

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