PDF Cons and Disadvantages

The PDF (portable document format) is considered as one of the most popular document files that are used all around the world. Since its introduction into the digital world in the early 90s, the PDF document has evolved every year to provide users with a better experience. Also, the PDF file has over the years become compatible with different types of devices across various operating systems. Additionally, this file is easy to create, which makes it suitable for a wide range of uses. A PDF document is capable of storing text, tables, images, and a host of other data points in user-defined font sizes. Therefore, all these features make a PDF file an excellent document. Nonetheless, despite all these excellent features of this file format, the PDF file still has some disadvantages, which makes it difficult to use.

PDF Cons and Disadvantages

The PDF file format has several disadvantages, which are listed and described below.

Difficult to Edit.
Editing is Not Free.
Hard to Copy.
Files Can be Too Large.

1. Difficult to Edit

Although PDF documents are easy to create, these documents can be difficult to edit once formed. In most cases, it is a challenge for a user to find an appropriate software application that allows them to alter text, tables, and pictures within a PDF file. Additionally, it is even more difficult to alter the font size of the text embedded within a PDF file. As long as a user has access to the original file before conversion to PDF, it is easier to edit that file before the creation of another PDF file.

2. Editing is Not Free

In the instances where editing is possible, in most cases, it is not free – it comes at a premium. Most online and offline tools that allow users to edit PDF files require a subscription or a one-off payment. Most tools that edit PDF files for free mostly provide low-quality service. In the event that a tool provides free high-quality service, the edited file mostly comes with a watermark in the middle of the document.

3. Hard to Copy

Copying embedded information (text, tables) from PDF files can sometimes be difficult, especially if the PDF file has an unconventional structure. To successfully extract information from a PDF file, it may require a lot of effort from a user. In some cases, when text is copied and pasted into another file format, the text may require editing before it can be used. In other instances, text may be stored as a picture, which makes it challenging to present in another file format.

4. Files Can be Too Large

Some PDF files appear to be too large due to the type and amount of data embedded within the document. Users that embed pictures and videos within PDF files are likely to create large documents. Having a large PDF document can be troublesome, especially if a user wants to email it to another person.

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