Inside a PDF

PDF or Portable Document Format is a document format that allows for the electronic exchange of information from one user to another. Over the years, the quality and capability of the PDF document have been improved to make PDF what it is today.

Features and Function of a PDF

The primary function of a PDF file is to exchange information from one person to another. Information is exchanged in text, pictures, multimedia files, JavaScript, tables, and many more features. Some of the key features and functions of a PDF are stated and explained below.

1. Compatibility with Various Platforms

A PDF document is usually compatible with a wide range of platforms. Users can access a PDF file from a wide range of devices and platforms. This feature makes this tool acceptable to a wide range of audiences. Regardless of where you are – within or outside an office – hundreds of software applications can quickly allow you to access a PDF file.

2. Accessible to All

The information within a PDF document is accessible to all users regardless of their ability or lack of. Several assistive features are included within the file to ease use. Therefore, users with disabilities can easily use this file. The ability to navigate to any page within the document is an example of such a feature, making this technology easy to use.

3. Ability to Search

The ability to quickly search a PDF document is another important feature of this type of file. PDF documents are designed with unique structures that allow a user to search for text-based information. This feature is indispensable when searching for data on a huge document with hundreds or thousands of pages. However, the image section of a PDF document is not searchable. Therefore, if a document is scanned and saved as a picture within a PDF document, it is impossible to search such a document.

4. Enhanced Security

Unlike other documents, PDF allows for a high-security for the information stored within the file. The inclusion of a password is one way to secure a PDF document. Doing this prevents another user from printing, copying, or altering the document. Depending on the type of software used to create a PDF file, 40-bit or 128-bit encryption may be used to generate a secure password.

5. Font Preservation

The type of fonts used in creating a PDF document determines how the document looks. Therefore, a PDF creator would want to include the forms of Text, figures, and tables they require within their file.

6. File Compression

File compression is a critical tool for the transfer of large documents on the internet. Nonetheless, the compression of a PDF file to a smaller size doesn’t compromise the quality of embedded images within the document. Therefore, a large PDF document can easily be compressed into a smaller file while maintaining the integrity and quality of the file's information and images. This feature is excellent been sending PDF files via email – with attachment size limitation.

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