Introduction
In this article, I will give an overview of the unique
PDF file format as well as explaining some of it's advantages over other fle formats. I will also briefly look at
PDF writer software including alternatives to Adobe Acrobat.
What is a PDF?
The acronym PDF stands for 'Portable Document Format' and was created by Adobe Systems back in the nineties to solve the problem of incompatibilities between the multitude of file formats used. The Adobe PDF allows you to capture information from any application and any computer platform and share it with anyone else in the world.
Why PDF?
Adobe PDF has many advantages over other file formats. The most important are highlighted below:
1) Firstly, as mentioned above, it is universal. This means that no matter what platform or application you are using, you can easily share the information with others. For example if you have written a Microsoft Word document and need to share it with someone that doesn't have Microsoft Word installed on their computer, all you need to do is convert word doc to pdf file using pdf writer software before sending it to them. PDF Reader's are available for free on almost all computer systems.
2) The format is recognised internationally as the de facto standard for electronic information exchange and is compliant with industry standards.
3) No matter what software to create PDF file is used, it will look exactly like the original document. Any application with a print function can be used by PDF print software to generate a PDF file.
4) PDF Documents are fully searchable.
How to PDF
After installing your PDF Print Software, you will be able to 'print' PDF documents from applications on your computer. Printing a PDF is much the same as printing out a paper document on your printer. Simply go to print your document but select the PDF Printer instead of your physical printer. A PDF file will then be created on your computer.
PDF Writer Software
There are many choices for PDF Writer Software (also known as PDF Print Software, PDF File Software and PDF File Creator).
Adobe Acrobat Professional is the top-of-the-range PDF Creation software but at $449 per copy (at the time this article was published), it will leave a pretty big dent in your wallet.
Other options include
MyPDF Creator and
PDF Creator both of which offer a single lifetime licence for less than $60 and a site licence (unlimited installs) for under $200.
Summary
I hope that this article has made you a little wiser about the PDF file format and PDF Writer Software. If you have any further questions about PDF's, I can highly recommend the
forum at PlanetPDF.
