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PDF File

What is a PDF file?

PDF(Portable Document Format) file is a file format developed by Adobe as a means of distributing compact, platform-independent documents. It is superficially similar to HTML; A PDF Files may contain images and text, as well as hyperlinks. However, as PDF is based on a variant of PostScript, each document is self-contained, packing text, graphics, and fonts into a single file.

You can use Adobe Acrobat to create PDF file, and you can view PDF files either with Adobe Reader or via a web browser with the PDF Viewer plug-in.

How to Use PDF Files

Saving PDF files

With larger PDF files, it is better to save the file to your computer, and then print from that copy. Using this method, you avoid the risk of having a printing task interrupted if your Internet connection fails.

There are several ways to save PDF files onto your computer - use the method that best suits your computer set-up:
* you may get a message from a pop-up list - choose the 'Save Target as …' or 'Save Link as …' option
* with the PDF file open on your screen, go to 'File' and choose 'Save As
* with the PDF file open on your screen, click on the floppy disk icon just above the document, on the left hand side.

Saving information in fillable PDF forms

Fillable PDF application form has sections that can be completed using a computer and then printed out and signed, rather than printing the form and filling in by hand.
Important: If you are viewing fillable PDF forms using Acrobat Reader®, you will not be able to save the information entered into that form. Complete the application first and then print out a copy.

Files to PDF and PDF to Files

PDF Creator convert Word, Excel, TXT, PowerPoint and all printable files into PDF documents.
PDF Converter converter PDF documents into Word, TXT, JPG, HTML and Flash Files.
Free Download: PDF Converter tools

Printing PDF files

If you have difficulty printing a PDF file, please select 'Use raster graphics' which is found in File/Print/Setup/Properties/Graphics.

Problems opening documents
Users sometimes report they cannot open PDF documents on their computer. Usually this is due to a setting on the computer, rather than a fault with the file.

Adobe provides information to resolve many of these problems.
See: Adobe Help

Visually-impaired users
People who use screen reader software may have trouble accessing PDFs. Adobe provides tools for the visuallys impaired to access PDF documents.
See: Adobe Accessibility