What Is a PDF Reader?
PDF, standing for “portable document format,” is a file format designed to save data as if printed on paper and display it on various devices. PDF readers allow users to view and print PDF files. Recent advancements have led to many browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Opera, integrating PDF reader functionalities. These modern browsers comply with web standards and aim to minimize special behaviors or specifications, facilitating the viewing of PDF documents without needing dedicated software like Acrobat Reader.
Uses of PDF Readers
PDFs can be displayed on various devices, eliminating the need for physical user manuals or operating instructions. This transition to digital reduces printing costs, conserves resources, and allows for interactive product handling and specification updates, especially beneficial in remote working scenarios. Moreover, by integrating PDF functionalities into proprietary software, it’s possible to enhance usability dramatically, such as by outputting and visualizing sensing results in PDF format. PDFs support display on many devices, including e-books, game consoles, electronic blackboards, karaoke remote controls, projectors, business panels, machine tools, measuring instruments, medical equipment, robots, and more, independent of the operating system.
Typically, product design specifications and drawings, including photographs, are converted into electronic files in PDF format using a PDF editor. These PDF files are often shared via cloud-based PDF readers, and images are distributed via web conference software or email, helping to create a paperless environment and facilitating quick information sharing among involved parties.
Principle of PDF Readers
PDF SDKs are used to implement PDF functionalities and controls, ranging from PDF display to object manipulation, in self-developed devices. Platform-independent PDF SDKs run on various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, and embedded OSs, without requiring code redesign. They can be called from programming languages like C/C++, C#, Delphi, and Visual Basic, and are designed for device-independent display systems. Utilizing PDF SDKs can shorten development time and limit costs, as developers can focus more on product development.
For browser-based applications, JavaScript and a pure JavaScript library, PDF SDK for Web, are available to implement not only PDF viewing but also annotations and other functionalities. With the rise of remote working, there’s been an increase in demand for PDF display on mobile devices. To meet this demand, Mobile PDF SDKs are available, enabling developers to easily incorporate PDF functionalities into mobile devices. Even an OEM version of PDF readers Mobile is offered, requiring no development for in-house products.
Other Information on PDF Readers
1. Recommended Features of PDF Readers
A key feature of PDF readers is the comparison tool, which allows users to compare a current PDF file with an original reference file and highlights changes. This feature is particularly useful for identifying text and diagram alterations. Additionally, while PDF readers may not offer full editing capabilities, they often include annotation and signature functions, similar to those in Acrobat Reader, useful for simple writing and signing tasks.
2. Cloud-Based PDF Readers
PDFs have evolved to be not only paperless but also cloud-enabled. Cloud computing, different from simple online access, creates an environment akin to that of a company office PC on a virtual server via the Internet. This approach is recommended for its minimal reliance on user terminal data, enabling authenticated software use in a secure environment. For users seeking to access PDF readers from any location, especially in the context of increased teleworking, cloud-based PDF readers are recommended service software.