PDF stands for Portable File Document. They are a “read-only” document. To modify it, you need to leave an electronic footprint on the file. Some digital files have a security risk associated with them. With PDFs, this risk is highly minimized since users can add security layers to them without a hassle.
Word documents are an alternative to PDF files; however, PDFs have the edge over them in many ways. Let us discuss these reasons.
PDF files are universal
PDF documents can be opened anywhere and are not dependent on the operating system, software, or hardware. Even though it is easier to edit documents on Microsoft Word, but suppose the user stores the Word file on Mac, then he might face difficulties transferring the file to a PC due to the difference in operating systems.
With PDFs, there won’t be such an issue since their appearance is the same on every device. You can view PDFs on a mobile seamlessly. You can also convert the PDF to Wordif such a need arises.
PDF files have more security
You cannot forge or edit a PDF document without leaving an electronic footprint. Only specific editing software can be used for editing a PDF which makes forgery complicated. This makes your document foolproof and resistant to any tampering efforts. You can also protect the PDF file with a password. This adds an additional layer of security to your document, which ensures that only you can open and view your document.
You can create PDFs easily
Any file format, irrespective of its original format, can be converted to PDF format. You can create PDFs without spending too much time or effort. You can also convert the PDF documents back into the older formats using tools such as PDFSimpli. You can also take help from online editing tools to alter the PDF format files.
PDFs have a smaller size
You can convert various file formats with high resolutions into PDF format, and the file still won’t have a larger size than the old format. You can use the PDF version for uploading purposes on your website since they are portable and take up less space. There is also a provision of merging multiple file formats into a single format, i.e., PDF. For example, you can add images, spreadsheets, and presentations into an individual PDF file.
Interactive documents
PDF files have an added feature for being interactive. The creator can embed hyperlinks, videos, other media, and music files in the PDF files they create. In this manner, the viewer can enjoy an interactive experience and immerse himself fully in the document. You can edit PDFto add these elements into your document.
Accessibility
Accessibility is an added feature in PDFs that makes them universal. You can make the PDFs accessible by inserting alternate text and tags, bookmarks, and much more. In this way, even physically and mentally challenged persons can access these files. Such features seem to be missing from Microsoft Word. Text to speech tool is an example of one such tool that can do the job. Accessible PDF documents are appreciated by individuals as well as organizations.
