What Are PDFs?

This document provides basic information about PDFs. Other documents in the PDF series build on this information.

The STORE Campaign Web Site uses PDFs as a primary way to disseminate information so it is important to understand how to work with PDFs.

PDF: Portable Document Format. A file that can be read by both PCs and Macs. PDF files retain their formatting so they look and print exactly as they were created.

Adobe: The company that created the PDF format.

Adobe Acrobat Reader: A free software that enables you to view and print PDFs.

Adobe Acrobat: Not to be confused with Acrobat Reader, this commercial software package allows you to create your own PDFs. Adobe Acrobat can convert a word processing or desktop publishing file into a PDF.

Concepts:
PDFs allow people to share print information in a standard format. Common uses of PDFs are for forms (such as tax forms provided online by the IRS) and handbooks or manuals.

A PDF is not a word processing file. You cannot open it in your word processor and you cannot edit it at all. Although this can be frustrating, PDFs help solve the problem that arises when one person tries to share a document with another person who does not have the same software. A complex form created in a desktop publishing program can be converted to a PDF so that people who do not have that desktop publishing program can still view and print the form.

PDFs are identified by their filename extension - the three letters after the dot. For example, filename.pdf is a PDF, while filename.doc is a Word document.

Software Requirement:
The only way to view and print a PDF file is with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Resources:
Adobe PDF
Planet PDF - A web community devoted to all things PDF. Has a forum specifically for beginners.
PDFzone - Website for Acrobat, PDF and document management professionals. Includes helpful tips and techniques, mostly for advanced users but also for beginners.