Different Pdf File Types Explained Adobe

Leo Migdal

-Nov 20, 2025, 12:40 PM

different pdf file types explained adobe

Resources » PDF Basics » 8 Types of PDF Files Did you know there are 8 different PDF formats? The various formats mean that the PDF will store information in slightly different ways. Each different type of PDF is intended for a different purpose and, sometimes, industry, which we’ll explain. Some PDF types you may never run into, while others you may commonly run into. It all depends on how you intend to use PDFs.

The PDF, or portable document format, is one of the most versatile document formats out there. Whether you open a PDF on a phone, Windows device, Mac, or any other type of device, it will always appear the same. PDFs have become so popular thanks to the many devices and document editing software apps we use in the modern era. Some folks may prefer creating documents using Microsoft Word, while others use Google Docs, PowerPoint and other programs. Regardless, any document that you create with these programs will appear the same if it’s saved or exported as a PDF. The 8 different PDF types are separated into two groups.

The first group of 6 types are recognized by the International Standards Organization or ISO. This group is responsible for creating and recording international standards about best practices and procedures in a variety of industries. The other 2 types aren’t formally recognized by the ISO but nonetheless may be used by other organizations. Do you know your PDF types? Here, we break them down—PDF, PDF/A, PDF/E, PDF/X, PDF/UA—and help you find the right PDF format for your needs. Do you know your PDF types?

Here, we break them down—PDF, PDF/A, PDF/E, PDF/X, PDF/UA—and help you find the right PDF format for your needs. PDFs are the gold standard for sharing and preserving digital documents. But not all PDFs are created equal. From long-term archiving to high-quality printing, different types of PDFs are designed for specific needs. Understanding these formats can help you choose the right PDF type for your project—whether it’s a business report, a legal document, marketing materials, or something else. In this guide, we walk through the different PDF document types: PDF, PDF/A, PDF/E, PDF/X, and PDF/UA.

You’ll learn about their unique features, searchable PDFs, and which PDF format is best for your needs. PDF types vary, and each is built for specific use cases. Knowing the differences makes it easy to pick the best one for printing, archiving, or sharing technical details. Adobe created it as a universal file type. PDF (Portable Document Format) keeps your document’s layout and design the same on any device. Standard PDFs are used for everything from resumes and reports to eBooks and scanned pages.

Think of the regular PDF as the all-purpose version. Other types are built for specific needs like archiving, printing, or accessibility. PDF/A is specifically designed to store documents over long periods. It includes everything necessary, such as fonts, colors, and images, to ensure your documents remain consistent no matter how many years pass. Additionally, it avoids features like encryption or external links that might become unusable over time. PDF/X is created for high-quality professional printing.

It includes all necessary elements like fonts, images, and colors, ensuring the final print matches your original design. PDF/X also excludes interactive features such as videos or animations that don't apply to printed documents. PDF/VT is made for printing large volumes of documents, each containing different information — like billing statements or personalized letters. Instead of creating separate files for each version, PDF/VT handles all the variations in one go, making the process faster and more efficient. Created by Adobe in the early 1990s, the PDF has become the go-to choice for sharing and preserving documents across different operating systems and devices. As technology has advanced, so too have the capabilities and variations of PDF files, giving rise to many types tailored to diverse needs.

From high-quality graphic design projects to accessible documents for those using assistive technology, PDFs have evolved beyond the static files of yesteryear. In this guide, we will look at the different types of PDF files, ranging from the widely known PDF/A and PDF/X standards to the more intricate PDF/VT and PDF/UA. As we navigate this landscape, we will look closely at each standard, shedding light on how PDFs have become more than just files. They are a truly dynamic medium that bridge different operating systems, devices, and content types such as web pages in a single standard. By using a PDF, one can combine the benefits of Adobe Acrobat, HTML, Mac, and various file formats into a single file. Throughout this guide we’ll look at layers of PDF functionality, from converting documents to high-quality PDFs, editing files seamlessly, to making content accessible through optical character recognition (OCR) and creating searchable PDFs.

The universe of PDF files includes a variety of standards, each designed to cater to specific needs and functionalities. Let us look at several important types within the PDF ecosystem, unveiling their unique benefits and purposes. PDF/A, synonymous with archiving, is the most-used file format for the long-term preservation of electronic documents. Industries requiring stringent archival standards, such as libraries and government archives, typically use PDF/A. This type ensures that documents are self-contained, preserving fonts and graphics, making it indispensable for maintaining document integrity over time. Many graphic designers and print professionals claim that PDF/X is the gold standard for precision in reproducing documents for print.

This is because it is designed to address color management issues and ensure font embedding. Thus PDF/X creates a standardized environment for printing, eliminating discrepancies between on-screen and printed content. It's the go-to choice for those seeking reliability and accuracy in printed materials. Many people are familiar with PDF files; you’ve probably accessed a PDF recently or even created one. PDF stands for Portable Document Format; it was created by Adobe so users could easily share a document regardless of what software, hardware, or operating systems the recipient may be using. Since Adobe developed the original PDF in 1993, they’ve also created different subcategories of this popular format, which are commonly referred to as PDF standards.

Each standard serves a different purpose, so if you save your file as the wrong standard, you may experience issues when trying to print, share or archive files, now or in the future. There are a total of eight PDF standards; six are ISO Standards, and two are from other organizations. ISO stands for International Standards Organization, which issues certifications for products that meet their standards across many industries, PDF documents included. The ISO sets standards based on a rigorous certification process to assure quality, reliability, and universality. The best PDF standard for your document depends on how you intend to store, share, and use it. PDF –This general PDF standard is sufficient for in-office use, sharing, and viewing online and for standard quality documents.

While the original PDF was created almost 30 years ago, Adobe released PDF 2.0 in 2017. El PDF (acronym for Portable Document Format), has established itself as the global standard with which we share, store and view documents. But beyond its everyday use, this universe is much broader and more complex than it appears at first glance. In this article, we'll review all the different types of PDF formats available, as well as their usefulness in each case. If you've ever wondered what the difference is between a standard PDF, a PDF/X, or a PDF/A, you'll find all the answers here, clearly explained and up-to-date. PDF is a format developed for portability and integrity of information, allowing content to be displayed the same on any device or operating system.

Since its creation by Adobe in 1993, its goal has been to preserve the design, graphics, fonts, and structure of any document, regardless of the environment from which it is accessed. The versatility of the PDF is such that it can contain text, images, vector graphics, links, interactive forms, attachments, videos, sound, and even 3D objects. The internal structure of a PDF It is composed of several sections: This architecture makes it possible for PDF files to be optimized or reorganized over time or through edits to save space and maintain data integrity. Number 1 Canon®Independent Dealer in the U.S. Number 1 Lexmark™Independent Dealer in the U.S.

Explore opportunities to join one of the country’s largest independent business technology providers! Corporate Headquarters:2675 Research Park DriveMadison, WI 53711 Explore opportunities to join one of the country’s largest independent business technology providers! Portable Document Format (PDF) is actually a family of file formats, and this article details the ones that are most relevant for form developers. Many of the technical details and standards of different PDF types are evolving and changing. Some of these formats and specifications are International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, and some are specific intellectual property owned by Adobe.

This article shows you how to create various types of PDFs. It helps you understand how and why to use each one. All these types work best in the premier client tool for viewing and working with PDFs—Adobe Acrobat DC. Following is an example of a PDF/A file in Acrobat DC. Sample files can be downloaded from here Adobe uses the term XFA PDF form to refer to the interactive and dynamic Forms you create with AEM Forms Designer.

The Forms and files you create with Designer are based on Adobe’s XML Forms Architecture (XFA). In many ways, the XFA PDF file format is closer to an HTML file than it is to a traditional PDF file. For example, the following code shows you what a simple text object Looks like in an XFA PDF file. Leading provider of Adobe PDF Library SDK, command-line PDF tools, Forms Extension, and enterprise document processing solutions for developers and businesses worldwide.

Different Pdf File Types Explained Adobe

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