What are .PDF Files?

PDF Files are Adobe® Acrobat files.  These are files that allow the creator to provide the viewer a file that looks exactly like it did when it was created.  And the viewer does not need the application software that the creator used (i.e., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc.).  The viewer can view the file onscreen, or print it and it will look just like it is supposed to look. PDF files are ideal for viewing from the Internet.  We use them on this site to make documents available such as the various lay ministry schedules, and the minutes of various parish organizations.

How do I View .PDF Files?

When made available on a Web site, PDF files are hyperlinked on one of the Web pages.  On this site, we often also use an icon that looks like this:

When you click on the hyperlink, your browser will open up the Adobe Acrobat Reader plugin.  Then the .PDF document will load into the Acrobat Reader and you will be able to view it.  Almost all browsers have this plugin already built in.

But I Cannot View the File When I Click the Link!

If your Web browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat reader built in, it is available for free by downloading from Adobe's Web site.  If you do not have this software, you really should.  It is very useful, not only for viewing .PDF documents from the Web, but also for viewing documentation that is provided electronically with software. The Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded here:

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