Since Adobe Systems introduced the PDF format in 1993, it has quickly become the number one universal document format on the Internet. Not without reason, as there is a growing demand for such a universal format that allows people to share their ideas and work digitally on the Internet. The number of different software programs keeps growing and growing, from fantastic organizers, to spreadsheet programs, to photo editing software – they all tend to make our lives easier, but often forget one important point: the ability to allow the user share his/her work! The so-called web 2.0 is already a fact, and the internet is becoming a place to create and share your own ideas and work.

The popular PDF format solved this problem by presenting itself as a universal system-wide format: almost anyone on any computer system can open a PDF these days. People have clearly discovered some advantages of PDF files, but only a few are actively creating PDF files themselves. So why should you consider creating your own PDF documents? Here are the 10 main advantages of this popular format:

• 1. Cross-platform compatibility

From Windows, Mac, Linux, to modern mobile phones and PDAs – PDF files can be opened on basically any system! You don’t have to worry that your co-workers, students, family members, or anyone you’re sharing your work with won’t be able to open your files.

• 2. Compact and small

When you convert an existing document to a PDF file, it will automatically be highly optimized making it much smaller in size without losing quality. Note that you can also often combine and merge multiple documents into one PDF: spreadsheets, Word documents, photos, etc. – you can merge them all into one PDF file!

• 3. Can be created from any source document/application

The powerful technology behind the PDF format allows you to convert almost any document, from any application, to a PDF file. With a decent PDF Creator, your PDF file will look like you’ve printed your file on high-quality paper.

• 4. Securable, prevents people from modifying and redistributing your work

Protect your PDF file and prevent users from printing, duplicating or even opening your work. Encrypted protection makes it possible to share your work, without having to worry about various fatal scenarios.

• 5. Safe, almost no chance to get infected with viruses.

There is almost no chance of a PDF file getting infected with something like a virus or Trojan, making it a safe and reliable way to share your work.

• 6. Quick and easy to create when using the right software

You’ll find a ton of different PDF conversion programs on the internet, one that looks even fancier than the other, with prices ranging from $30 to $4000. You can usually convert your documents to PDF in just a few clicks. Choosing a good software solution is another story, but you can find some tips in my other PDF Creator article.

• 7. Software to view PDF files is completely free

Software such as Acrobat Reader to open PDF files is free to download and is already installed on most computers. Often it will be installed in combination with other software that you have purchased on CD-Rom. (Many companies deliver their documentation in PDF files).

• 8. Visible in most web browsers

You can simply open and view PDF files in your favorite web browser. You can simply click a link whenever someone links to a PDF file on a website, and the file will open automatically.

• 9. PDF files meet legal document requirements.

A document must be kept in a format that cannot be changed or altered without leaving traces, if you want it to be admissible in a court of law. A created PDF file cannot be modified and generally complies with these legal requirements. (Contact legal counsel for more information.)

• 10. Compatible with modern portable reader systems

This is a completely new but powerful phenomenon: several companies like Sony are working on paper pads digitally. Not much bigger than a normal book, these flat screens allow you to load your PDF files onto the device, so you can read the information like a normal book. It sounds like science fiction, but you can already buy these devices for +- $299. Prices are guaranteed to drop for years to come, and it’s a great way to save literally tons of paper!