What Is a PDF Writer?

A digital document created in a software application, such as a word processor or desktop publishing application, is generally viewable only in the application used to create it. This limits the potential for sharing the document. The limitation can be overcome by converting the digital document from its original format into a PDF document. Once a document has been converted into a PDF document, it no longer matters how the original document was created because the PDF version can be viewed using any freely available PDF reader. The tool that allows content creators to convert their documents into PDF documents is a PDF writer.

Function

A PDF writer can be thought of as a translator. Software applications create documents in a specific format. A PDF writer translates that format into the PDF format, changing the type of file without changing the way the content is presented. For example, a newsletter may include headlines, text, photographs with captions, illustrations, charts and other information, all laid out in a specific design using a desktop publishing application. A PDF writer translates that layout and content into a PDF document that presents the newsletter's images and text exactly as they were created.

Benefits

Using a PDF writer to convert documents into PDF documents allows the documents to be shared widely. While few people might have desktop publishing software on their computer, many might have a PDF reader, which is the software that displays the contents of a PDF document. PDF readers are available for most operating systems, including Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Most PDF readers are freeware.

Types

PDF writers may be categorized by the way in which users interact with and operate the PDF writer. One type of PDF writer is accessed through a software application's print function. This type of writer is used by following the same steps that are followed to print a document to a printer, but selecting the PDF writer instead of a printer. Another type of PDF writer is a freestanding application. With this type of PDF writer it is possible, for example, to open a PDF document and edit it, changing text and graphics, and then save the changes.

Considerations

Different PDF writers vary in their capabilities. A particular PDF writer may be exceptionally efficient in the PDF writing process and therefore complete the process more quickly than others. Similarly, PDF writers may offer varying degrees of control over the PDF writing process, such as by allowing the user to limit the size of the resulting PDF document. Also, some PDF writers include the ability to encrypt a PDF document after it has been written.

History

The PDF format was originally created by Adobe. Because Adobe created the PDF format as a proprietary format, Adobe also created the first PDF writers. Over time, as use of the PDF format became more widespread, Adobe worked with the International Organization for Standardization to make the format available as an open standard. PDF writers are now available from numerous vendors.

References

• ISO Press Release on PDF Standard
• Adobe Information on PDF Technology