The term PDF stands for portable document format. A PDF file appears exactly the same way on any computer and delivers the same results in print or on-screen. In essence, a PDF is an electronic "snapshot" of a document. PDF files are small and self-contained, and they are not readily modified; they retain the original form intended by the author. PDFs are commonly used for forms (such as tax forms provided online by the IRS), handbooks, and manuals.

Viewing PDF files requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. This application is simple to use and it delivers consistent operation on almost every type of computer — it’s also free. See the Adobe Acrobat Reader website for installation instructions.

To create and edit PDF files, the commercial version of Adobe Acrobat must be used (see the Adobe website for current information about the software).

Opening a PDF on the Web

PDFs on the web can be identified by the file extension .pdf. To open the file, simply click on the link. If the PDF does not open when you click on the link, it could mean that:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer (See the Adobe Acrobat Reader website for installation instructions.)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed, but is not configured properly in your web browser.

Configuring Your Browser to Work with PDFs

You can configure your browser to view a PDF file directly in the browser window (as a "plug-in") or separately by using the Acrobat Reader program as a "helper" application.

A plug-in is a software module that enables your browser to display special file types such as audio, video, or PDF. A plug-in differs from a helper application in that it does not launch a separate application, but simply works with your browser. A helper application is one that is automatically launched by your browser to open files you encounter on the web.

Acrobat Reader as a Plug-In

If you have recent versions of Firefox or Internet Explorer, and you downloaded and installed a recent version of Acrobat Reader, it will likely be configured as a plug-in. This means that when you click on a PDF file, it will display directly in your browser window.

Possible Drawbacks:

• After viewing the PDF file you will need to hit the "back" button in your browser to get back to the web page on which you started.
• PDFs are not automatically saved when you view them.

Helper Application

When Acrobat Reader is set up as a helper application, clicking on a PDF will automatically open Acrobat Reader and the PDF file will appear on your screen in the Reader application. Your browser will continue to show the page you were on when you clicked on the link.

Possible Drawbacks:

• You cannot use advanced web features such as page-at-a-time downloading, embedded PDF documents, in-browser form submittal, or search highlighting.

Get Detailed Instructions

Instructions for configuring your browser depend on the browser you are using and the platform (PC or Mac). Visit the Adobe Acrobat support website for assistance with viewing PDF files in your browser.

Saving a PDF from the Web to Your Computer

PC: Right-click on the link and choose "Save Link As."

Mac: Click and hold the mouse down to save it. Choose "Save this link as."

If the PDF appears directly in your web browser, go to the browser’s File menu and select "Save As." Be sure to select the location for saving the file.

Once a PDF is saved on your computer, you can open it at any time by double-clicking on it. It will open in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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