PDFs,+To+Use+or+Not+to+Use

**An Introduction on PDF files**
Portable document format (PDF) is a file format used to convert documents to a file that maintains the integrity of an original document. No matter where the file is moved to, it will always look the same as when it was created.

 **This Includes:**
 *  Its fonts
 *  Format
 *  Graphics
 *  Spacing
 * Other document characteristics, when it is displayed.

The PDF was invented by [|Adobe Systems] so that information and documents could be easily transferable from different sources and computers. [|PDF] files offer absolute mobility to a document, if you have a software that can convert documents into PDFs, users can read documents from almost any other type of software. Excel, Publisher, and Word all can be converted to a PDF. PDF documents allow the reader access to in depth information that is generally not found on a webpage. The encapsulated file acts as below the web page storage, and allows easy access to those documents that may otherwise clutter a web page. Depending on the depths of your study or your inquiry for information, that could be good or bad for your webpage. These files can easily be customized to ensure the documents are safe and are being shared with the correct audience. The Adobe Reader basic edition is free, but does not allow the operator to override default settings to edit documents.

 Download a free copy of Adobe Reader [|here].

 ** Pros when using a PDF **
 * When used properly, PDF documents can provide the right balance and offer a look that will keep information seekers of all levels on your page
 * PDFs lend themselves well to wikis and webpages by keeping a clean, well organized appearance while containing additional information and documents in sub-spaces
 * PDFs assist readers by allowing immediate access to relevant documents and information that would otherwise need to be searched elsewhere
 * Attaching documents or creating links to PDFs builds an uncluttered page that will not drive away the user who doesn't wish research detailed information



**Cons when using a PDF**

 * Sometimes visitors do not need all the information in a document. Many visitors only need the main information: people, places, dates and brief descriptions.
 * Some visitors want to read from the screen . Many visitors will have no desire to print a document. PDF documents are usually formatted to print vertically, while monitors are generally horizontal. The mismatch causes users to scroll more often. Large PDF files may be too slow to download.
 * When the PDF was made for only one browser. Some PDFs are made for only one type of browser such as Internet Explorer. However, not everyone uses Internet Explorer; there is Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome as well as others. A PDF will have to be formatted so it is readable and easy to open in each browser.
 * Some people do not trust downloads of any kind of software from a website, because not all sites appear to be trustworthy. Some visitors not familiar with web browsing, will not be comfortable with downloading anything. Some visitors may be afraid of viruses.

In closing, there are definitely benefits and drawbacks in having a PDF on a website. As a builder of a website, whether you are a designer or content writer, you must know: who your visitors are, what they want and what information your website has to offer. A few questions you should ask when deciding to put a PDF on a website are: who is my visitor, is my visitor a scanner or browser and is the visitor an in depth reader. Another good question is whether my visitor is looking for reports, data or brief descriptions. When you can answer these questions, you can know whether or not a PDF is good for your website.

**NOTES : **
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**References**

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 * Redish, Janice. Letting Go Of The Words: Writing Web Content that Works. New York: Morgan Kaufmann, 2007. Print.
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 * Koble, Matt, A. "Disadvantage of Using the PDF format." //eHow//. Demand Media. n.d. Web. 28 Mar, 2013.