See also: File Formats
Acronym: Portable Document Format
File format for text and graphics, used most commonly (but not exclusive to) Adobe‘s Acrobat software. PDF documents appear and print identical regardless of the operating system the computer is running. PDF has become very popular in recent years. They are useful for statuatory authorities who often provide laws and regulations in PDF so misinterpretation of documents is reduced. Many manuals, documentation and research papers are often presented and distributed in this format.
Not all computer users find using PDF files a good experience. Some users find the Adobe software buggy, cumbersome, with poor printing and presentation features, describing the file format as Unfit for Human Consumption. Other avoid this file format due to proprietary license issues.
Certain compressed TIFF files also allow similar results to PDF in smaller file sizes. One can find general news on the .pdf file format at PDF News.
Tips
When viewing .pdf files after clicking on a link in a browser, Windows users get a temporary copy placed within the Windows/Temp directory. For reading at your convenience, make a local copy of this file so when the document is closed and the temporary download is deleted, you have another permanent copy for viewing later.
Do you have copying of text blocked in some pdf files? Or do you have a pdf file blocked with a password? The solution is Advanced Password Recovery. This is the software from Elcomsoft which made headlines for DMCA violation. There is also GuaPDF which is a utility to bypass the security on PDF documents.
PDF Generation and Conversion Tools
- FreePDF: :Allows PDF file creation using the print command
- Win2PDF: Does the same from some windows apps.
- DocuCom PDF Driver: Is one more pdf generator using the print command
- HTMLDOC 1.8.23: Converts between html and pdf amongst other functions
- Adobe Online Conversion Tools
- Create Adobe PDF Online Web service that converts many document formats to PDF
TakeDown.NET -> “PDF”