Portable Document Format

What is the Portable Document Format (.pdf)?

Many of the documents on this site are presented in .pdf format. To read files of this type you will need Acrobat Reader. This free utility is highly regarded and used widely. The program takes about 15 minutes to download over a slow connection.

• Find out more about the Portable Document Format
• Download the latest version of Acrobat Reader from the Adobe website

Why do we use it?

The .pdf format is exactly what it claims to be - it is portable. Using this format means that we can be sure anyone reading the file will see exactly what we see when we create it.

If other formats were used, there is the chance that formatting may be lost and the document altered, accidentally or otherwise.

Is there any alternative?

Protable Document Files can be converted, with some limitations into text files. To convert .pdf files into text only versions please use the tools here.

Is their any help for the visually impaired?

Yes. Visually impaired users can download software to help them read their .pdfs. This software is free and can be downloaded from Adobe, here.

Then follow these simple steps:

• Follow the instructions to install the Adobe Access software
• Open Acrobat Reader
• Select File / Preferences / General
• Turn web browser integration "Off"

To view a .pdf file:

• Select View / Acrobat Access Choices
• Select Access View only (shortcut is Ctrl 4)

The text in the .pdf will be changed into a format your software can read.