If you’ve looked at forms or other documents on the Internet, then they were likely in PDF format. This has become the standard format for downloadable documents, but why? What is a PDF file used for and what can be in a PDF?
Many people use PDFs every day, but they don’t understand what it does or why they use it when there are formats like jpegs, docs, and others. We’re delving into the hows and whys of the PDF format and providing you the information you’ve questioned, but never sought out.
You’ll know everything about PDFs and finally, understand why they’ve become the standard for files.
What Is a PDF?
When the Internet was in its infancy, people needed to have specific programs to open documents. If you didn’t have that program, then there wasn’t a way for you to see it. Adobe believed people deserved a format that could be seen by everyone using a variety of programs instead of a specific one.
The portable document format (PDF) can be read by many different readers including most web browsers. The layout is always the same no matter what program you use, creating a universal format for everything from business contracts to invoices.
What Is a PDF File Used For?
The versatility of the PDF format allows it to be used for just about anything. It can have text, pictures, videos, graphs, and many other file formats all in one document. It’s often used for business documents, instruction booklets, and even novels and short stories.
While a PDF file is universal, PDF readers are not. At the most basic level, a reader allows you to open and read a PDF document and that’s it. Other readers allow you to create and modify documents and send them back with changes.
This is ideal for companies hammering out a contract or a team working at different offices. If you want to learn more about PDF editors for macs, then you can check it out here, https://setapp.com/how-to/the-best-free-pdf-editor-for-mac.
Why Use a PDF Instead of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint?
The biggest reason why people use PDFs is there are never any formatting changes. If you create a document in one version or Word and then send it to someone that has a later or earlier version, then it may not look the same.
Security is a major factor for people today and you don’t want information getting into the wrong hands. PDF files can be password protected adding a layer of security that you don’t find with Word and other programs.
Have you ever had a Mac and send information to someone with a Windows computer? It can be a major hassle, but with PDF files the operating system doesn’t matter.
Use PDFs for Online Documents
What is a PDF file used for? These days it covers almost everything and now you know why. Next time you read a PDF or create a PDF document, you’ll understand its purpose and why it had become the go-to for business and personal documents.
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