Did you know that technology improves more slowly over time than we originally thought? Experts have found that 80 percent of the tech out there only improves by around 25 percent each year.
Even at this slower pace, it can be a challenge to keep up with all the changes in technology. While PDFs have been around for decades, it’s still a type of file format that can throw a wrench in people’s gears.
Have you ever asked yourself, “What is a PDF file?” Keep reading to learn all about it.
What Is A PDF File?
In computer terms, the acronym PDF stands for portable document format. It was created by Adobe in the early 90s as a simple way to present documents that contained anything from text to pictures.
Since PDFs can’t be edited easily, there’s also more security with sending them to others. Even people with low computer skills use PDF formats when they want to send sensitive documents.
How Can I Create A PDF?
If you don’t already have the document saved as a PDF, don’t worry. The process of how to convert to PDF is quite simple. Whether you’re working with the popular word processor Word or something else, you can save the document as a PDF by first clicking “save as” under the file tab in the upper left-hand corner.
From there, a box will pop up asking you where you want to save the file and what type of file you want it to be saved as. This is your opportunity to scroll through the file types listed at the bottom and find the one called PDF. The program will then keep your Word document but also create a second version of it in the form of a PDF.
If you ever find yourself with a PDF and no other file type, you’ll be glad to know that file conversion is also simple, as long as you have the right program.
How Can I Edit A PDF?
While PDFs can be quite useful, they can also make life more difficult. For instance, editing a PDF is far from intuitive. Rather, it often requires using a separate program. One way to edit and manipulate PDFs with ease is by using pdfsharp.
Reading a PDF on an e-reader is another challenge. Put in the simplest terms, there are plenty of situations in which it’s better to convert to PDF. You can also save the document as a PDF again, as you learned to do in Word.
What Is A PDF File? Now You Know
Has a friend or family member ever asked you, “What is a PDF file?” Now that you’ve learned all about it, you can explain the concept to them in detail. Don’t forget to tell them how they can convert a PDF to something else too.
Technology is often intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Since we publish articles that simplify technology all the time, it’s worth sticking around. Before you go, don’t forget to save the articles you’ve found most helpful.
