Why PDF?

[dvtimes]

Often I go onto a site, they have pdf files.

Why?

I prefer just to see the info on a webpage.

Is there an advantage to pdf?

[-HF]

layout is the same, no matter what screen resolution, what browser, what OS...

easier to print, easier to download and handle. can create perfectly laid out forms to fill out on the screen and print them out then.

can be done from basically any software, no need to know HTML or other web codes. type your instructions (or any other text) unsing any word processor, make it PDF. do the graphics for it with any suitable software, make it PDF, upload, everyone can view them.

next question.

[xcite-tv]

Is there an advantage to pdf?

It is easily formed into modern furntiture !!

[JT]

It is easily formed into modern furntiture !!

Thats MFI isnt it?

[JT]

layout is the same, no matter what screen resolution, what browser, what OS...

easier to print, easier to download and handle. can create perfectly laid out forms to fill out on the screen and print them out then.

can be done from basically any software, no need to know HTML or other web codes. type your instructions (or any other text) unsing any word processor, make it PDF. do the graphics for it with any suitable software, make it PDF, upload, everyone can view them.

next question.

Plus you can see it on a web page like you prefere as all browsers come with acrobat reader installed. So unless you are running windows 3.11 you should be ok

[Mattyboy]

Thats MFI isnt it?

MDF (medium density fibreboard) :)

[JT]

MDF (medium density fibreboard) :)

So whats a medium density webmaster called?

[JT]

drum roll.....................

[xcite-tv]

same....MDF......Mostly dense fucker

[urb]

I used to earn money from doing online catalogues.... until a couple of clients worked out that they could upload pdf files. :(

But hey... pdf is a mainstream thing... it couldn't be used for selling porn, could it??!?

[Mattyboy]

PDF's are becoming way more popular for printers now.
I used to be in the print business and back then to design something, you would need to send off a Quark file, plus images and all fonts used (oh.. and designed on a Mac).

Now you design something on a PC using say Indesign and export a PDF and the printer can accept it easily.

Just one smaller file with no worries about missing fonts or images.

[-HF]

PDF is also used for the recent generation copy machines that can be networked and mail stuff around. you can have a nice colour copier, network it, you scan stuff in and mail it to any mailbox in the LAN, and vice versa, so instead of a cheap colour printer for every work place, you add one proper colour copier and everyone can mail to it and print stuff in top quality.

also it's basically always cheaper to have all workstations attached to the copier for printing, as the typical copier lease includes service and toner, which makes the costs per print lower than with any printer. plus you have nice extras like sorting and stapling. 2 years ago i used one that would even fold simple brochures.