The Portable Document Format, also known as PDF, is compatible with web pages. In the following article, we’ll give you the top tips, practices & best ways for using PDFs effectively on your web pages and how to use it in a simple method.
We start with the creation using PDFs web pages
The PDF files uploaded online should be small in size, around 30-40KB. Most browsers download the file before rendering it, so it might take too long to open, and your readers will bounce.
Be sure that you’ve optimized the images of your PDF document for the web. Doing that will make the files smaller and more accessible for customers to open.
There are specific rules for web writing that should be up to the PDF’s content. Web content must be appropriately under a structure to ease the crawlers’ work and rank higher. This includes enhanced readability and correct implementation of keywords.
If your document is longer than usual, it is recommended to include a clickable table of contents for more straightforward navigation throughout the file. Moreover, ensure that you use the same font and make it larger, predominantly if your audience consists of elderly people.
Implement PDFs on your website
When adding such a file to your website, point it out to readers because it can confuse some customers. That’s why you have to let them know they’re opening a PDF file that can be downloaded and printed.
PDFs are instead up as alternatives to Web pages regarding catalogs or content that can be under prints.
Note that PDF documents serve a great purpose, but you can’t use them instead of web pages. Specific developer tools allow the conversion of such files into HTML pages easily searchable by crawlers and will rank you higher on search engines.
You can also benefit from the online services of PDF, which offer a variety of features on the go. For example, you can enjoy the PDF unlocker or online PDF rotation.
Proper and best ways of using PDFs files on websites
There are many good reasons to use PDFs; here are some ways to use them that won’t annoy your readers but will help them:
1. Documents for Printing Using PDFs Web Pages
Let’s say you’ve ready documents that can be printed for paper use. Then you can upload them as PDF files to ensure they remain the same.
Moreover, PDF files can include encryption and password protection if you want to limit the audience.
2. Securing Documents
Various security controls on PDF files can be easily up implementation for security improvements. One of the ways is to add a password, as we told you above.
Most PDF readers have other features that increase security, so it’s up to you what level of protection you want to use PDFs effectively and the best practices for using it.
3. Document Downloads
Unlike PDF, documents uploaded as Excel, PowerPoint, or Word can be modified by anyone who downloads them. Also, it’s responsible for multiple devices, so you’ll know that everyone can open it.
4. Regulated form using PDFs web pages
PDF files are a good solution if your website references tables required by the government or other regulations to be displayed in a certain way. You can even use Acrobat to make it easier to fill out. Also, anyone familiar with printed forms will be immediately familiar with the online version.
5. Backup file
You can lock PDFs to prevent people from reading them. Remember, HTML lets you do other things to protect your document, and locking PDFs makes people angry, especially if they forget their password or should have access but don’t have one.
Use URL using PDFs web pages
Your readers won’t try to search for PDF links themselves to download content. Also, don’t expect them to look at the link location before clicking the “download” button. For your convenience, you need to inform them in advance that the link they will click is a PDF file.
This will provide your customers with a satisfying experience on your website. Since PDFs tend to be designed differently than websites, it’s polite to let your customers know in advance what they will be visiting. As a result, a good way to to use PDFs effectively.
Best practices using PDFs: Pay attention to fonts
It helps make your fonts bigger so your audience won’t have trouble reading the content. Although there is an option to enlarge a PDF file, not all Internet users can do so. From the beginning, make sure your fonts are legible.
To ensure the font is big enough, ask an old man to read it for you. Zoom in further if they’re having trouble viewing or reading the site’s content.
Include navigation in PDF
If you add a clickable table of contents, forward and back buttons, and other navigational elements, most readers will provide a way to get an overview of the PDF, but the PDF you have is easier to use. If you make this navigation similar to your website navigation, you will have branding built to use PDFs effectively and the best practices for using it.