Using PDF files

PDF is a universal file format that preserves the fonts, images, graphics, and layout of any source document, regardless of the application and platform used to create it. Adobe® PDF files are compact and complete, and can be shared, viewed, and printed by anyone with free Adobe Reader® software.

Question

How do I open a PDF file?

Answer

There are two ways to open a PDF file.

  1. You can download a program called Acrobat Reader and install it onto your computer. The program is available free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat site.
    Download Adobe reader
  2. You can use the online PDF conversion tool at the Adobe Acrobat website. Type in the address of the PDF file you wish to see and the translated file will be converted into a more readable format while you wait.
    Convert a PDF file online

Question

Where can I find out about making PDF files accessible?

Answer

To find out how to read a PDF document with a screen reader, go to the Access Adobe website which provides useful tools and resources. Earlier versions of PDF files may not be as accessible.

Access Adobe website

Question

How do I use PDF files?

Answer

When you open a PDF file an Acrobat toolbar will appear, featuring a number of tools to help you view and search the document. Running your mouse over the icons, without clicking, will tell you what each of them does.

Get Acrobat Reader

To view any file in Portable Document Format (PDF) downloaded from this site, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader. The programme is free if you do not already have it. Click on the icon above to download it.

This project is supported by the Wates Foundation.