But while PDFs are popular for a variety of reasons, there are a few misconceptions and generalizations out there about their functionality and limitations.
Generally speaking, a lot of basic facts about PDFs are misunderstood, misinterpreted, or outright misapplied. As the format continues to evolve, it's important to stay updated on the facts to make the most out of this powerful document format and take advantage of all they have to offer.
In this article, we'll break down some of the most common misconceptions about Portable Document Formats (PDFs) and provide you with the facts.
Everyone Can View And Access PDF Files
Generally, PDFs can be accessed across different platforms, including desktop computers, laptops and tablets, mobile phones (including smartphones), and even TVs with an internet-enabled HDMI port. In other words, there are no restrictions when it comes to where you can view the file.
You should also keep in mind, however, that there are exceptions regarding who can view or access the documents. For example, it is difficult, if not impossible, for people with disabilities to navigate and read PDF files using a mouse.
However, creating an accessible PDF viewer can help people of all abilities access and interact with your content. To do this, your document needs to be structurally tagged. This makes it easier for assistive devices like screen readers to decipher the content and read it out loud to the user.
To make sure your file meets the necessary accessibility standards, you should refer to the PDF/UA standard, which provides a comprehensive guideline on how to generate this file type that all users can access.
PDF Content Can’t Be Edited Or Modified
There is truth in this, but there is also a flip side. Firstly, Portable Document Formats are designed to ensure the content is protected and unchanged. It is a kind of locked-down file format to help prevent unauthorized modifications.
However, you may be able to edit PDF to some extent with the right software or if the file provides permission for modification.
For example, with a quality PDF editor, you can add or remove pages and sections from a file. You can also change the fonts and layout of the text on the document. You can also use a PDF maker or converter program to change the file format and modify its content with another program that allows you to edit PDF document.
A PDF text editor even allows you to split or combine PDF files, as well as fill out forms and add e-signatures. And there are several other things you can do with a bit of practice!
PDF Files Can Only Contain Text And Images
While this file format is commonly used to store text and images, you can also edit PDF files online to contain audio, video, links, tables, charts, and 3D objects. This makes them more dynamic, especially when being used as a web-based poster or brochure.
All you have to do is convert the PDF to editable PDF, and you're on your way to creating the perfect format for quickly and effectively sharing presentations, reports, or multimedia projects with colleagues and friends.
You can also compress a file so that you're able to send large files with image in PDF and a mix of other media contents without too much bandwidth use or file size increase.
They’re also great for storing different types of data in one place and enabling access to multiple people at once — you simply share the file with anyone who has access to PDF via email or even via Dropbox.
PDF Files Are Naturally Secure
PDF files are created to add some layer of security to your content, but this does not automatically make PDFs secure or private.
The fact is, this file format can be decoded by anyone who has access to the right PDF tool, which means that there is no guarantee that the file can be read only by those who have been given access to it.
There are different tools out there that can edit PDFs online and extract the information contained within them.
Once the other party has the info extracted from the modified PDF, they can use it to create new documents or spreadsheets, which can then be opened in other programs like Microsoft Office or PowerPoint. This means that if someone gets access to your file, they also have access to all of your data contained within it.
So, these document types are not inherently secure. While it’s true that they have security features built into them, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t susceptible to attacks from hackers or viruses that can damage your computer or steal your personal information (like credit card numbers).
Portable Document Formats are only secure if they are protected with passwords, watermarks, or encryption keys before they are sent over the Internet. In this way, you can specify precisely what users are permitted to do with your file. Remember, files are only as secure as the user makes them.
Conclusion
Portable Document Formats are now an integral part of day-to-day communication and team collaboration in a business environment, from marketing to architecture. This simple file format is taking on a whole new meaning and value.
With the Internet opening up new horizons for business every day, information is being thrown around in all directions at an exponential pace. Facts have become such a significant part of any business that, for many businesses, their longevity may depend upon the credibility of the shared and applied information.
So while document formats can be a reliable tool for storing and sharing information, it’s important to understand their limitations and capabilities. Hopefully, these PDF tips have given you a better understanding of the truth behind common myths and facts about this versatile file type.