PDF | Document | Adobe | PDF/A | PDF/X
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format used to represent documents in a way that is independent of the application software, hardware and operating system used to create them. PDF files can contain text, images and other multimedia elements, as well as formatting information such as fonts, page layout and colors.
The PDF format is often used for documents that are to be shared with others, as it allows the recipient to view the document as it was intended, regardless of the device or software used. This makes PDF an ideal format for business documents, legal documents, and other types of professional documents that need to be shared and preserved in their original form.
There are several technologies related to PDF, including:
Adobe Acrobat: This is a software suite developed by Adobe Systems to create, edit and view PDF files. Adobe Acrobat includes tools for creating and modifying PDF documents, as well as tools for adding comments and annotations to existing PDF files.
Adobe Reader: This is a free software developed by Adobe Systems that allows users to view, print, and annotate PDF files. Adobe Reader is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
PDF/A: This is a standardized subset of the PDF format specifically designed for long-term preservation of electronic documents. PDF/A files are optimized for archiving and are more resistant to obsolescence than regular PDF files.
PDF/X: This is a subset of the PDF format specifically designed for the exchange of print-ready data between different systems. PDF/X files are optimized for printing and are intended to ensure that the printed version of the document is as close as possible to the original version.
BITS experts have used PDF in a wide range of projects. A selection of case studies and references can be found below.
