PDF is used globally owing to the fact that it offers more secure and dependable information. It facilitates interaction between millions of individuals. Pretty much every computer has a PDF reader. People can read and, most importantly, edit PDFs using laptops, tablets, and even smartphones.
PDF is a fixed-layout document, which means that no matter the device or operating system in question, it will always render the same. Believe it or not, there are some misconceptions about PDF software. In this article, we’ll try to debunk some of the most common myths.
PDFs prevent copying and plagiarism
It’s wrongfully assumed that PDF files put a stop to copying and plagiarism. The truth is that PDFs aren’t encrypted, so users can’t prevent others from copying text or images from a PDF file once it has been created. To block copying information, you have to deploy the advanced features in the full or professional version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
You can also limit other activities, such as commenting, printing, or adding pages. All you need to do is open the Tools pane, select Protection, and go to Encrypt. There will be an option to encrypt the document with a password. Tick all the boxes that disable copying, editing, and printing.
Another thing you can do in terms of preventing copying and plagiarism is to save the PDF file as an image. This is helpful for many reasons. Private information can’t be shared, so nobody can claim your work as their own. If you have several PDFs, password protection or conversion to JPG won’t be possible.
What you have to do is to merge your PDFs into a unified document. Doing things the old-fashioned way isn’t recommended. There’s no point in printing the PDFs on paper, rearranging them, and scanning them only to send them back. There’s the option to merge PDF. Not only will you waste a lot of time, but also it’s not environmentally friendly.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the only software that works with PDF
Adobe is the inventor of the PDF format and the software the company makes available is feature-rich and easy to use, but it’s not the only option, just to be clear. You can transform your static documents into an interactive experience for both the sender and the receiver.
Web-based PDF software solutions offer answers to important questions. You can convert your PDF to TXT, HTML, DOC, and EPUB. Moreover, you can export individual pages as JPG, PNG, or BMP images. Completely online, solutions of this kind demand no more than a modern browser and an active Internet connection. Compare the top programs and determine which one is right for you.
Scanning a paper document is the only way to create a PDF
You can scan a paper document into your computer and save it as a PDF file for Windows or Mac. In this respect, open the software that accompanies the scanner and customize the scan options. When the scanner performs the operation, the driver saves the PDF to your designated folder.
You have a professional-looking PDF file without an expensive designer or using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Beginning with 2007, Microsoft introduced the conversion feature for Word, so it’s no longer necessary to do that. In a matter of seconds, you can transform any document, whether Excel or PowerPoint, into a PDF.
To convert a Word document to a PDF, click the Microsoft Office button, go to Save As, and choose the file type from the list. Don’t forget to choose a name for the document. You can also create a PDF from Google Docs. Open your file in Google Docs or create a new one, click File from the menu, and choose Print.
In this window, click the drop-down list, and choose Save as PDF. It’s as simple as that. As mentioned earlier, the PDF document will maintain its formatting, so your time and effort won’t be lost. Plus, PDF is a universal file extension that is accessible through various software programs. People can now open and edit PDFs on their phones.
eSignatures in PDFs aren’t legally binding
You can electronically sign PDF documents, so it’s not necessary to print and scan them. If you use Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, open the file in the application and click the Fill & Sign button. You’ll be prompted to add your signature. Contrary to popular belief, eSignatures in PDFs are legally binding.
To put it simply, they enjoy the same legal status as handwritten signatures. The eSignatures powered by Adobe Sign meet and even exceed stringent security and legal compliance standards. So, you can do business electronically. The eSignature is a viable method to indicate agreement in a contract. Don’t hesitate to sign your PDF forms. You can use a digital signature from a scanned copy of your handwritten signature.
PDFs are bigger as compared to other file formats
Many people wonder why PDFs are so big even if the documents are just a couple of pages long. The size of the file isn’t proportional to the number of pages. The actual document size is determined by the content streams, embedded fonts/images/links, PDF form data, and file attachments.
Obviously, you’ll notice a slight difference in size as compared to other file formats. In the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, you can re-save the document as a smaller file. If you want to use a free online tool, go right ahead. As a suggestion, try to get rid of the unused space. This is the easiest way to reduce file size. You’ll have a smaller, more optimized file.
To conclude, PDFs continue to enjoy popularity. Many operations, including making minor changes and manipulating pages in a PDF document, can be addressed with web-based applications. The tools of today are feature-rich, perfectly addressing the needs of users.
PDF isn’t owned by Adobe, meaning that you don’t need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to create or edit files. There are alternatives. While they may not necessarily be better, they can help you out.