PDFs have risen in popularity in the last decade, and now, they are some of the most frequently sent file types. When businesses send invoices, quotes, or even promotional information, they’ll be in this format. Bank statements and legal documents will also more than likely be sent in PDF format for added security. But what does PDF stand for, and how did this format originate? Keep reading to discover more about this file type.
What Does PDF Mean?
PDF stands for portable document format and was originally developed by Adobe in 1992. A PDF document can present text, images, and other information in a manner that’s independent of specific software. This means that, unlike a Microsoft Word document, you won’t need to have MS Word installed on your device to view the content.
PDFs are versatile and can contain high-quality images, links, and more while still maintaining a fairly small file size. This makes them ideal for sending documents containing a range of content via email or other size-limiting platforms. Also, the file size can be reduced without significant loss in quality.
Why Use PDF Format?
There are many benefits to using the PDF format to send information and content. Because this format captures all the elements of a printed document but saves it as an electronic image, it’s easy to share with others without worrying about formatting going haywire or the quality of images degrading.
It’s also a more secure file type to use, as a PDF isn’t easy to edit or alter. In fact, if you wanted to make changes to a PDF, you’d need a specialized tool, such as PDFplatform, that enables the user to edit the document. You’re also able to add additional security measures to protect sensitive or confidential documents.
The benefits of using PDF format include the following:
- Maintains graphic integrity
- A multi-dimensional format that allows the use of images, text, links, etc
- Convenient to create, store, and send
- Secure with additional permission and password protection options
- Compact file size
Final Thoughts
PDF files are a convenient way to create, view, and share various documents. This format is versatile enough to include images, text, links, and more. It also adds additional security to your content by allowing password protection and permissions to be set.
If you’re looking for a PDF editing system that’ll enable you to convert PDFs to other formats, sign PDF documents, or even edit them, then you should consider the PDFplatform app. This micro-app is the perfect online tool to work with PDF documents.
