.PDF File Type
File extension: PDF or .pdf
Description: Adobe Portable Document Format
Author of the .pdf file extension: Adobe Systems, Inc.
Category: Viewer
Programs that use the .pdf file type: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Zoho Viewer, Brava Free Reader, PDF-Xchange Viewer
Explanation of .pdf file extensions:
The .pdf file extension is used by programs such as Adobe Acrobat for sharing documents across different computer platforms. The .pdf file keeps all original formatting allowing users with the appropriate viewer to see the document as it was intended to be viewed even if they do not have the associated program that the document was create in. For example, if a document was created in Microsoft Word and transmitted as a .pdf file, the recipient would be able to see the document and all of its formatting even if they don’t have a copy of Microsoft Word on their computer.
Typical problems associated with the .pdf file extension:
One of the most common problems with .pdf files is when a user receives a .pdf file yet doesn’t have the software. Adobe Reader is a free viewer made specifically for viewing .pdf files. It can be found here at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
File corruption and missing file associations are also common .pdf problems.
Solutions/Recommendations:
Check the Adobe website and make sure you have the most current version available. Download and apply any security patches or updates. If you have the latest copy of Adobe Reader installed but a .pdf file won’t open, it’s possible that you do not have a program associated with the .pdf file extension. Go into Windows Explorer and find the .pdf file you want to open and right click it. Choose “open with” from the list. Select Adobe Reader from the list and place a check mark in the box that says, “Always use the selected program to open this kind of file.”
Associated links:
Adobe Reader - http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
PDF-XChange Viewer - http://www.docu-track.com/home/prod_user/pdfx_viewer/?act
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