PDF files allow for electronic document creation using any word processor or print media software. They can be shared and opened by anyone, regardless of their software. PDFs can be locked against modification and are commonly used for e-newsletters, contracts, and financial reports. Adobe® Acrobat® software is the original and most comprehensive tool for creating and reading PDFs.
The portable document format is a form of file that allows for the creation of electronic documents using any type of word processor or print media software. As a bonus, the document can be shared with others, who are able to open and read the document, regardless of the word processing software they use. Here’s some insight into how PDF files are created and why they’re such an asset in a variety of applications.
PDF files were developed by Adobe Systems and served as a means for people using multiple word processing systems to share finished documents. As multiple word processing software packages are in use that are not compatible with each other, the need for a common file format that everyone can open and read has become the core of Adobe® Acrobat® software.
Whether the end user prefers open source, Microsoft® or Corel® word processors, documents can be created in the program of choice, then saved as PDF files. With a full Adobe® suite, you can also create your document using Adobe® software as easily as any word processing program. Saved files can be shared with others, who only need to download the free Adobe® Reader® to open and read the file.
One benefit of using PDF files to distribute electronic documents is that the file can be locked against modification by others, even if they have Acrobat® software. This has increased the use of PDFs for applications such as e-newsletters, contracts, book manuscripts and financial reports. Because documents are protected, the author of the document retains a high level of control, even when the document has been widely distributed. In addition to frequent use in the business world, PDFs are also often used to create e-books for sale, online magazines, and e-brochures for non-profit organizations.
Although PDF files were originally developed by Adobe®, there are a number of products on the market today that can convert spreadsheets, text documents, and nearly any form of electronic word processing software into PDF files. Typically, these products may focus on converting other file types to a PDF format, rather than creating PDFs from scratch. While many of these products appear to work well, few of them can compete with Acrobat’s features for the price. When it comes to creating and reading PDFs, the original may still be the best.
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