Introduction
Nothing is more frustrating than downloading a PDF file and realizing you don’t have the correct program needed to open it. It doesn’t matter if it’s an important contract or something you just want to look over—you can’t read it at that moment. If you’ve ever experienced this, then this tutorial will help you understand what PDF files are, how they work, and how to open them on your computer. We’ll also discuss the history behind PDFs and show you how to make one yourself as well as edit one in a few simple steps. So let’s get started!
What Is a PDF File?
A PDF file is a document that has been saved in the Portable Document Format.
PDF files are used to share documents, store and print documents, and can be read on any device with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
The Portable Document Format was created by Adobe Systems Incorporated in 1993 as a way of making electronic documents portable across operating systems (Windows, Mac OS X and Linux), platforms (Macintosh computers, Windows-based PCs) and hardware devices (printers).
The History of PDF Files
The history of the PDF file is a bit hazy. The first time this particular file format was introduced to the public was in 1993, by Adobe. The company released their Acrobat Reader so that users could view and print files without them getting damaged or altered by other applications.
Since then, PDF has become incredibly popular with students because they can track changes and make notes in the books they’re reading. Businesses also use PDFs to send invoices and contracts electronically instead of using paper copies that get lost easily during transit or storage. Government agencies are big users of this format because it’s universally accepted as one of the most reliable ways for them to share documents with each other securely across systems such as emailing documents directly from one user’s computer screen into another’s inbox without having any chance whatsoever for someone else reading over their shoulder when they open up an attachment sent from someone else who doesn’t know how valuable information should be kept private when sharing info about sensitive matters like financial transactions involving large sums of money being transacted between two parties which could potentially lead one party into bankruptcy if left unchecked
How to Open PDF Files
You can open a PDF file in a PDF reader, but you don’t have to. You can also open it in your web browser or email client, and there are even online services that will convert it into various other formats (like DOCX).
PDF files are very versatile, so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes time to view them.
How to Create PDF Files
You can create a PDF document by using a PDF printer. The most popular PDF printers are installed on your computer by default and are available as apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. You can also download these printers from the Internet if you don’t have one on your computer or device.
When you print from any program that uses Windows, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, and select “Save as PDF” or something similar, this option is saved in your list of preferences along with other instructions for printing documents in general—such as page size, color quality (photo or black-and-white), etc.—so all you need to do next time is select it from the list instead of having to type everything out again each time!
How to Edit PDF Files
Now that you know how to export a PDF file, let’s talk about editing it. PDF files are a great way to share your work with other people and save it as a digital backup of your hard work. But sometimes you may have errors in your document, or perhaps you want to add or subtract something that changes the whole meaning of the content. In this case, editing is essential!
There are several different ways in which you can edit a PDF file:
- Editing text – You can easily change any mistakes in your text by highlighting them and typing over them with the new words. This will make sure everything is spelled correctly and grammatically correct!
- Adding images – If there’s an image missing from your PDF document (like if there were originally two images but now only one), then simply insert an image into that blank space by clicking “Insert Image.” The software will automatically place it where it needs to go!
- Deleting pages – Sometimes when we’re working on something for hours at a time we end up deleting some pages because they’re just not necessary anymore. This can be done easily by selecting all of the pages except for those needed by using Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac). Once selected just hit Delete key on keyboard; they’ll disappear instantly without any hassle whatsoever!
Can You Add Text to a PDF File?
Yes, you can add text to a PDF file. There are several ways to do this. You can upload your file through the website and include text that way. You can also use a text editor, like Notepad or WordPad, if you’re using Windows. Or if you want something more specialized like Adobe Acrobat DC (the latest version of Acrobat), it has very good editing capabilities built in so that’s another option as well.
Can You Change the Size of a PDF File?
You can change the size of a PDF file.
To change the dimensions of a PDF, use one of these tools:
- A free online tool. You can use this if you have access to a computer or smartphone.
- Adobe Acrobat Professional (paid software). If you have Adobe Acrobat Professional, it makes it easy to make edits like resizing.
This article covered everything you need to know about PDF files.
If you’re interested in learning more about PDF files, here are some resources we recommend:
- Adobe’s official guide to PDFs
- Another guide from the University of Maryland
- A free PDF editor called Foxit Reader
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this article. I hope it has helped you understand what PDF files are, and how to create them. You now have the knowledge you need to create your own PDF files, and share them with others.
