---
title: ".pdf file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .pdf file is a Portable Document Format. A fixed-layout document that looks identical everywhere — the format for anything final. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/pdf/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .pdf files

**.pdf file: Portable Document Format**

A fixed-layout document that looks identical everywhere — the format for anything final.

## What opens a .pdf file

- **Windows:** Any web browser, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Edge (built in), SumatraPDF
- **macOS:** Preview (built in), Any web browser, Adobe Acrobat Reader
- **Linux:** Document Viewer / Evince (built in), Okular, Any web browser
- **In a browser:** Any web browser, Google Drive viewer

## What a .pdf file is

Adobe created PDF in 1993 and handed it to ISO in 2008, so it is now an open standard. A PDF pins down fonts, layout and images so the page prints the same from any machine, which is why contracts, forms, tickets and manuals all use it. Every operating system and browser opens one without extra software; editing the text, rather than annotating it, is where you need a proper editor.

## Converting it

A .pdf file is commonly converted to .docx, .jpg, .png, .txt, .epub or .xlsx. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .pdf
- **Full name:** Portable Document Format
- **Category:** Documents
- **MIME type:** application/pdf
- **Created by:** Adobe / ISO 32000
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .pdf file?

On Windows use Any web browser; on macOS use Preview (built in); on Linux use Document Viewer / Evince (built in). A fixed-layout document that looks identical everywhere — the format for anything final.

### What is a .pdf file?

Portable Document Format. Adobe created PDF in 1993 and handed it to ISO in 2008, so it is now an open standard. A PDF pins down fonts, layout and images so the page prints the same from any machine, which is why contracts, forms, tickets and manuals all use it.

### Can I convert a .pdf file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .docx, .jpg, .png, .txt, .epub or .xlsx, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.docx — Word Document (Open XML)](https://atoneplace.net/file/docx/)
- [.xlsx — Excel Workbook (Open XML)](https://atoneplace.net/file/xlsx/)
- [.pptx — PowerPoint Presentation (Open XML)](https://atoneplace.net/file/pptx/)
- [.txt — Plain Text File](https://atoneplace.net/file/txt/)
- [.doc — Word Document (legacy binary)](https://atoneplace.net/file/doc/)
- [.xls — Excel Workbook (legacy binary)](https://atoneplace.net/file/xls/)
- [.ppt — PowerPoint Presentation (legacy binary)](https://atoneplace.net/file/ppt/)
- [.md — Markdown Document](https://atoneplace.net/file/md/)
- [.rtf — Rich Text Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/rtf/)
- [.pages — Apple Pages Document](https://atoneplace.net/file/pages/)
- [.odt — OpenDocument Text](https://atoneplace.net/file/odt/)
- [.eml — Email Message](https://atoneplace.net/file/eml/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)