5 Tips For Better PDF Documents

By Jared Jaureguy

Creating and utilizing PDF documents is a fantastic way to communicate. There are so many functions built into editing PDF documents that make them user-friendly the trick is knowing which ones to use and when. Here is a list of some user friendly tips and tricks every user and creator of PDF documents should understand.

1 - Reduce PDF file size

One of the great things about PDF utilization is that large amounts of information can be compressed in a relatively small space on a PDF. In order to not let your PDF documents get too large too quickly PDF files, like images, should be reduced to a reasonable size before document creation. Before you add images into a PDF shrink the size, but if that's not possible then here's what you can do. Possibly the easiest way to do this is to add the files necessary to the document and then reduce the overall PDF document size upon saving. This method will vary slightly between operating systems, however in Mac OS software when you're saving the PDF document you will have the option to reduce the file size at that point.

2 - Add watermarks to PDFs

One relatively simple method of protecting the originality of the document is simply adding a watermark to the PDF. Watermarks can be images or text which can be displayed either underneath the content or overlaying the content. This type of watermark embedding indicates who owns the document. Under the “document” tab there will be a option for inserting a "watermark". Text or images can be chosen and then situated on one or all of the pages. Be careful not to add images or text which make the document impossible to read.

3 - Background colors

Enhancing the visual appearance of a PDF document is a subtle yet important factor in making it more usable. Lightly colored or bright colored backgrounds can make reading a PDF document very difficult. It's also important to take font color into consideration before choosing an background. If headings or even the main text font color is light do not choose a light background which the next the same color. This combination of light on light make reading the document very difficult. Choose background colors which give stark contrast to the font color. If you are in doubt black and white very rarely fail, just think contrast.

4 - PDF documents as slideshows

Using a pdf creator to make a slideshow isn't very common, but can me very effective. In some instances a pdf can be better served when the content is displayed as a slideshow rather than as a normal scrolling document. As a user of the document opens the PDF they will simply be shown the content as a slideshow without having to make alterations or changes themselves. This option is also found under the "document" tab like the watermark. Simply set the page transitions as a slideshow. There are several types of transition, so choose one that best fits to need of the document.

5 - Edit images

Once an image is inserted into a PDF document it can still be edited. It's important to work with images even after their embedded and not simply make do with how they are looking. Simply click on the image that needs to be altered and choose the tool to get the job done. Cropping, outlining, shading, and more can be done without too much of a hassle. Adjusting image size will alter the quality so be careful of making size adjustments. This is especially relevant when going from smaller to larger images.

Jared Jaureguy a technology enthusiast and independent technology consultant. Follow him on Twitter @JaredJaureguy.

Also, check out more PDF how-tos on Teksocial:

• Edit PDF Files On The Go With PDFzen
• How to Lock a PDF Document Using Pages
• Working with PDF Files on Linux

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