What is PDF?

PDF is an acronym for "Portable Document Format." PDF is a file format created by Adobe that lets you view and print a file exactly as the author designed it, without needing to have the same application or fonts used to create the file. Since its introduction in 1993, PDF has become an Internet standard for electronic distribution that faithfully preserves the look and feel of the original document complete with fonts, colors, images, and layout.

Why shoud I use PDF?

• It keeps all the look and feel of the document that you spend so many hours to prepare.
• It can be viewed and printed on almost all computers (see below).
• The file size is smaller than postscript file.
• More and more people are using it.

Like postscript, PDF is a file format for people to view and print your final document. You should keep your original files in their original format (TeX/LaTeX, MS Word, Powerpoint, Word Perfect, gif, jpg, illustrator, Photoshop, whatever) for later modifications and only give out PDF files as a "soft" hardcopy.

How can I read PDF?

All you need is a PDF reader plugin. Since most of the computers in NYU have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, you should have no problem to view and print the PDF files. However, if you want to install free Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, please go to Adobe Home page at www.adobe.com. (It is very easy to download and install.)

How can I make PDF?

How can I print PDF?