Please help with getting patent? 5 stars for best answer?

[gerard]

I am trying to get a patent at efs.uspto.gov, what do I do for the file to be submitted, category,& document descripion?
I typed up a pretty detailed description, saved it as a .txt file, and chose "general transmittal" for the category. When I go to pick a "document description, a box comes up saying, Invalid document description selected for text file. What am I supposed to do?

[lazaro94]

I don't understand what you mean by "get a patent" at efs.uspto.gov. The rest of your question sounds like you are trying to file a paper.

I THINK most papers have to be filed in .pdf format. There might be some particular forms (like an application data sheet) that are filed in text format. It sounds like you are trying to file an application. I'm pretty sure those have to be submitted in .pdf.

You can try to use your word processor print menu to "print to pdf", which should create a file on your hard drive that is a .pdf version of your document. However, there may be font errors and other issues...so review it carefully. Use Acrobat reader (if nothing else) to open and view the pdf.

Alternatively, you can print your document and scan it to create a pdf version.