PDF File

What are PDF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PDF file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your PDF files.

What is a PDF file?

PDF files have multiple uses, and Adobe Portable Document Format is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Adobe Portable Document Format

Portability is paramount when sharing documents. PDF offers document-wide accessibility, allowing users to view and transmit data anytime and from any device on a range of operating systems.

Adobe created the file format to ensure that all elements of a source document (such as layout, fonts and images) are rendered accurately for anyone overseeing the document.

The platform also offers security features like password protection, digital signatures and redaction capabilities so you can protect sensitive information before it goes out into the world.

Moreover, PDF preserves formatting even if the application used to create it was different from the one used by the receiver. This makes it an ideal choice for exchangeable documents; as text remains in place regardless of its location should not create issues while preserving corporate identity.

Ultimately, PDF makes workflows simpler and more efficient giving you greater control over your output with improved connectivity among people or devices across platforms or locations.

Advantages of using PDF

Due to the wide compatibility of PDF documents, which can be opened on devices and operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android, they are a great option for sharing information with others as no matter what device or software is being used by the recipient, they will likely be able to open and view it.
When converting documents to PDF, the formatting is preserved and even fonts, images, and layout remain intact. As a result, PDFs are an ideal choice when it comes to creating resumes, reports, and marketing materials that require a specific look.
PDFs offer an added level of security, as they can be encrypted with a password to protect the contents from unauthorized access or modification. This makes them ideal for dealing with sensitive or confidential documents.
It is easy to view and print PDF files with most software applications, such as web browsers, as they are equipped with integrated support.

Disadvantages of using PDF

Editing PDFs can be challenging and require special software, as it's usually a more complex process than editing other types of documents. Additionally, if the source file is inaccessible, it makes it even harder to make modifications.
Due to their content, PDF files may prove to be rather hefty in size; thus, they can be difficult to send and store.
PDFs may not be ideal for documents containing multimedia content, though they generally work well for those with text and images.
Some PDFs may not be fully navigable by people living with disabilities due to the nature of their creation. This can make it challenging for certain users to engage with or comprehend the content within the document.

How to open PDF files

We have identified nine PDF openers that are compatible with this specific type of PDF file.

Programs that open Adobe Portable Document Format files

Windows

	Bitberry File Opener	Verified
	Adobe Acrobat Reader	Verified
	Stellar Repair for PDF	Verified
	Foxit PDF Editor	Verified
	Foxit PDF Reader	Verified

	Nitro Reader	Verified
	Pixillion Image Converter	Verified
	Nitro PDF Professional	Verified
	Expert PDF Reader	Discontinued

Last updated: May 19, 2024

All known file formats using extension .PDF

While Adobe Portable Document Format is a popular type of PDF-file, we know of 8 different uses of the .PDF file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

8 known uses of the PDF file extension

Adobe Portable Document Format
Expressware Printer Definition File
GraphiCode Programmable Device Format
Novell System PrintDef Device Definition
PostScript Printer Description File
Standard Word Printer Definition
WordStar Printer Description File
ZUGFeRD PDF

Expressware Printer Definition File

Printer definition file for the MS-DOS database File Express by Expressware. These files contain various printer configuration settings, which enable File Express to print data correctly on different printers.

You usually do not need to edit or view these files, as they only contain information usable by the software program that uses them.

GraphiCode Programmable Device Format

We know that one PDF format is GraphiCode Programmable Device Format. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.