QandAs: Tech

What is a PDF file?

Answer:
The acronym and file extension PDF (.pdf) stands for 'Portable Document Format';

which means, simply put, that such files can be accessed (generally as 'read-only') by an application other than the one the original files were made with. The early PDF files were sort of 'scanned duplicates' of other document files, with little or no editing capabilities.

The Portable Document Format was created by Adobe Systems in 1993, to make it simpler to exchange documents between computers and applications of different ilk. In other words, Adobe Systems opened up the flexibility of cross-communicating, without serious or unacceptable loss of document quality.

Essentially, a PDF file is created from other document files using either Adobe Systems' Acrobat application, or by using applications available from third-party software producers.

If you create a document with MS Word (with the .doc extension), you can convert it to a PDF (.pdf) file, using Adobe's package or a third-party Word to PDF converter application.

In 2008, Adobe Systems relaxed their licensing requirements, making the use of their previously proprietary Acrobat Reader application now free and accessible to all, without any licensing needs.

Adobe has become pretty well entrenched in the document exchange world. Most folks recognize Acrobat Reader as a necessary adjunct to their portfolio of computer and web programs, applications, tools and utilities. Without it, much web-based and other content is inaccessible.

In the early days of Adobe PDF use, the applications were slow and cumbersome. Recent versions of Adobe Systems PDF applications are more user and resource friendly. Early PDF files were essentially un-editable with early Acrobat Readers; Adobe now offers some levels of editing capability. And, third-party software producers have also come forward with solutions for editing PDF files.

Until the time comes when all of our computer applications are completely intertwined and capable of communicating with each other with no loss of integrity or other attributes, I believe we will continue to need such innovative and useful applications like the Adobe Systems PDF file and document management programs.