PDF File Format
A PDF is a fixed-layout document file format that displays content consistently on different devices.
PDF stands for Portable Document Format.
PDFs files are designed to preserve layout, fonts, images, and page structure exactly as intended.
What PDFs are used for
PDF files are commonly used when content needs to be shared or printed without changes.
Typical uses include documents, reports, forms, manuals, comics, and layouts where appearance matters more than editability.
Because PDFs look the same everywhere, they are widely used for distribution.
Editing and interactivity
PDFs are not primarily designed for editing. While some software allows annotations or form filling, the underlying content is usually fixed.
PDFs can include interactive elements such as links, buttons, and embedded media, but support for advanced features varies between viewers.
PDFs and exported content
When content is exported as a PDF, it represents a finished version of that work. The original source or project file is usually required to make further changes.
This makes PDFs suitable for sharing final output rather than ongoing editing.
Compatibility and support
Most modern devices can open PDF files using built-in viewers or web browsers. This makes PDFs a reliable choice for long-term access and sharing.
File sizes vary depending on content, especially when images are included.
A PDF is a fixed-layout document format designed to preserve appearance across platforms. It is widely supported, reliable for sharing, and best suited for finished content where layout consistency is important.
