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Download documents
Many of the Department’s web pages contain documents to download in a variety of formats. Sometimes there will also be a web page version of the document.
The Department tries to ensure as many users as possible can open downloads. If you are unable to open a document, the advice below on file types, saving files, and downloading free software may help you.
Document types
The following are the most common forms of documents available on the Department's websites, with links to websites where free software can be downloaded.
Adobe Acrobat files - Portable Document Files (PDF)
PDF documents can be opened on PC and Macintosh machines.
To open a document in Adobe PDF format, you may first need to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat reader.
To convert PDF files to text, you can use a free online tool from Adobe.
Microsoft Word (doc) and Excel files (xls)
These documents can be opened by many but not all programs.
If you are unable to open a document, you may not have the appropriate software.
If you are a PC user, you can download a viewer from the Microsoft site for free. The viewers should enable you to read Microsoft Office documents on your computer, even if you do not have the program installed.
Microsoft Viewers
Macintosh users who do not have Microsoft Office programs installed can either download a different version of the document, if available, or order a hard copy to be posted.
Rich Text Format files (RTF)
RTF files are an alternative to Word files. They can be opened by a much wider number of text editors on PC and Macintosh computers. RFT files take longer to download than Word files, especially for multiple page documents.
Saving documents
Internet browsers save documents in a variety of ways, which can often be confusing. If you want to guarantee saving a document, you can do the following:
For PC users
Right click on the document link (a pop-up menu will appear)
Scroll down the menu and click on 'Save Target As'
You will then be prompted to choose a folder where you want to save the file
Once the file is saved, go to the folder you selected and double click on the file name to open it.
For Macintosh users
Hold down the mouse button until the menu appears and then follow the instructions as for the PC user above.
Browser upgrades
The Department tries to make its websites compatible with all browsers. However, if you are using an older browser, e.g. a level 3.0 browser,, you may see inconsistencies in the presentation of pages.
It may help to download a newer version of a browser to improve your general internet experience.
The following browsers are available to download for free:
Mozilla
Microsoft Internet Explorer
If you are still unable to open documents, then you may be able to order them by post. See ways to contact the Department.
Report a technical problem
