What is PDF and Why PDF!

What is PDF?

PDF stands for "Portable Document Format", a file format invented by Adobe Systems. It is a graphically oriented file format designed for electronic interchange. In order to view PDF files, you need Adobe Reader, a free application distributed by Adobe Systems.

Why PDF?

Cross Platform - PDF files can be shared, viewed and printed regardless of the operating system. Anyone with the right software using Apple Macintosh, Microsoft Windows (3.1, 95, 98, ME, Win2000, WinXP, Windows 2003), Windows NT, and Sun and Hewlett Packard workstations can view any PDF document. In addition, files that are described in PDF can be printed on any printer that speaks the Postscript language, regardless of what kind of computer is connected to the printer. Likewise, regardless of what type of computer creates a PDF file, it can be viewed on any computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Maintain information integrity - PDF preserves the original look of the document almost exactly: fonts, photos, graphics and layout all appear as they do in the original.
Compact - The PDF format is derived from PostScript, the page description language developed by Adobe, but a PDF file is much smaller than a corresponding PostScript file, so it is more suitable for electronic delivery.
Open File Format Specification - PDF is available to anyone who wants to develop tools to create, view or manipulate PDF documents.
Secuirty - The creator of PDF files can set security options to reading, printing, copying and editing.

What Can I Do With PDF?

Creating Electronic Documents - Because PDF files preserve the original look of the document, you can get what you need without producing piles of scribbling-paper.
Exchanging Data - Because PDF files are independent of platform, it has become a popular way to distribute and share documents via the Internet. There are more than 200 million PDF documents on the web today. You can capture the helpful information to you on the fly.
Archiving Data - There are tools allow you to index PDF files so you can search the full text to locate words, bookmarks, and data field in a document. n
Interactive Documents - PDF can be used for electronics forms in which the filled-in data can be stored in a data base.

How Can I Open PDF Files?

You can use Adobe Reader to view PDF files. It is a free application distributed by Adobe Systems and can be downloaded from Adobe website . The free reader allows you to share your PDF documents with anyone and allow the end user to view or print the document on any system.

How Can I Create PDF Files?

Using rich samples supplied by LitePDF ActiveX Control, you can start creating you own PDF files immediately.

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