PDF

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PDF File Creation

A Portable Document Format (PDF) file is a self-contained cross-platform document. In plain language, it is a file that will look the same on the screen and in print, regardless of what kind of computer or printer someone is using and regardless of what software package was originally used to create it.

PDF is an acronym for "Portable Document Format." PDF is a file format created by Adobe that lets you view and print a file exactly as the author designed it, without needing to have the same application or fonts used to create the file. Since its introduction in 1993, PDF has become an Internet standard for electronic distribution that faithfully preserves the look and feel of the original document complete with fonts, colors, images, and layout.

The PDF file format offers many advantages, including:

	PDF files can be used with any PC or MAC. They are independent of hardware, applications or fonts
	PDF files are easily shared across organizational boundaries
	PDF files are fully functional when used offline
	PDF files appear the same on your screen as they do when printed to paper
	Existing paper documents can be easily transferred to PDF format
	PDF files are XML compatible
	PDF files have built in support for ODBC and JavaScript
	PDF files can contain digital signatures enabling authentication and approval
	PDF files can ensure data security through encryption and password protection
	PDF files can contain flexible access rights
	PDF files are compressed to produce smaller file sizes, which reduces file transfer time and required storage space
	PDF files can link to, or include text, graphics, sound, and movie files
	PDF files can be indexed so that you can easily search their contents
	PDF files can be duplicated and distributed at a lower cost than paper-based documents