pdfs vs. info on web pages

kdub437 · Aug 1st, 2007, 20:46

I'd like to know if it is better to place a link to a pdf on a web page or just put the information on the page? I'm looking for any info on how pdfs help or hurt user access, and any trends about pdf optimization that are out there. Thanks in advance.

1840dsgn · Aug 1st, 2007, 20:58

Personally I get annoyed when i have to open a PDF, I usually leave the site.

On a site I developed I had a similar question...

What I did was have the information on the webpage, and offer the PDF if the user wanted it. That way they have a choice to click a link that says Course information - pdf version. They know that they are downloading a pdf.

When I click a link that says Course Information and it starts downloading a pdf I go mental lol.

Mike

dcpweb · Aug 1st, 2007, 21:30

Hi,

PDF's have advantages and disadvantages. In general try to offer the user of a website the ability to view information in HTML first and then in PDF.

PDF's have some advantages:

1. Users can keep a copy of information on a local system.
2. Information can be sent to other people without having to access the website.
3. PDF's are a popular standard for sending information via email.
4. PDF's are not editable so information can be kept intact.

I recently developed an online newspaper application for a popular UK newspaper. www.easterneyedigital.com

For this application I used a combination of:

PHP 5
Mysql Server
PDF
HTML

to view a demo go to www.easterneyedigital.com

select "newspaper archive"

select issue 903

In most cases I would not use pdf's but you really have to judge the advantages of using pdf's within your website application.

regards

P Shah - www.dcpweb.co.uk

VanessaJW · Aug 1st, 2007, 21:53

pdfs are also good as a printable version. But I agree in most cases there should be the option to view the information as html within the web page, and not be forced to open the pdf. Obviously there are exceptions, if you have a collection of large downloadable documents for instance it may not be practical to have all the information also in webpages.

sannbe · Aug 1st, 2007, 23:55

I agree with Vanessa. Each has their own use depending on your specific needs. I think alot depends on what and how much information you want you users to see and how you want them to use it.

errol187 · Sep 20th, 2007, 13:49

being in a similiar predicament at present with a client who is seeking my expert knowledge (does he know what he is letting himself in for...) about linking to site faqs via a PDF doc or a mini site i put these points to him and told him to discuss with his team and get back to me.
See points below and make your conclusion based on similarities to what you seek.

if a link to a PDF doc

1) on clicking the link you will not be taken to the point of interest but to the beginning of the document
2) the user may not be configured to view PDF docs (configuration or installation will be required)
3) who will update the PDF document to coincide with changes to html faqs
4) this will open a new window or overwrite main page site and not overwrite the Online Banking page

if using a micro site

1) here you can be taken directly to the point of interest when clicking on a link e.g. standing orders page help will take you to all SO references
2) update of the mini-site pages will need to be performed either by someone with html knowledge or via a CMS
3) this will open a new window or overwrite main page site and not overwrite the Online Banking page

hope this helps - if only a little

JacobHaug · Sep 20th, 2007, 14:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1840dsgn

Personally I get annoyed when i have to open a PDF, I usually leave the site.

On a site I developed I had a similar question...

What I did was have the information on the webpage, and offer the PDF if the user wanted it. That way they have a choice to click a link that says Course information - pdf version. They know that they are downloading a pdf.

When I click a link that says Course Information and it starts downloading a pdf I go mental lol.

Mike

Me too! I go completely mental...drives me crazy! It's okay for newsletters to use as an archive for users to download, but I am not a big fan of them. Just take a look at the pros and cons above, and make your decision.

Marc · Sep 20th, 2007, 15:36

I agree with Jacob. I hate going onto a website then get asked to download a PDF to view details. It is ok however to put an archive in a PDF along with a membership form or the likes.

alexgeek · Sep 20th, 2007, 21:19

In my school,
we have an it program called Dida,
and it recommends using PDF for most things (leaflets, letters, posters, documents).
Even though I agree with everyone else that I hate PDFs I thought you should know

VanessaJW · Sep 20th, 2007, 21:32

The website of one of our local swimming pools has its opening times downloadable as a Powerpoint - and that's the only way of seeing them! That really is even more ridiculous and unnecessary than having them as a pdf. Why not list them on a web page? Why do they need to be downloaded in any format? What were they thinking?! Sorry just having a rant...

alexgeek · Sep 20th, 2007, 21:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanessaJW

The website of one of our local swimming pools has its opening times downloadable as a Powerpoint - and that's the only way of seeing them! That really is even more ridiculous and unnecessary than having them as a pdf. Why not list them on a web page? Why do they need to be downloaded in any format? What were they thinking?! Sorry just having a rant...

I'd send them an email with that Vanessa

Marc · Sep 21st, 2007, 15:40

I reckon websites use timetables and price lists in PDF's becasue they think they are easier to print off.. I just dont understand why they dont let you download it as PDF and have it showing on the web page.

alexgeek · Sep 21st, 2007, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc

I reckon websites use timetables and price lists in PDF's becasue they think they are easier to print off.. I just dont understand why they dont let you download it as PDF and have it showing on the web page.

Totally agree with you there.
Having an option is so much better

prizm · Oct 16th, 2007, 18:40

While I'm not that much of a fan of PDF's I must use them on my site for documentation. Since they are large documents, the files are huge. I would say the average size is around 20 MB and would take forever if someone was still on dial up. Does anyone know of a way to shrink these files down a bit?

Marc · Oct 17th, 2007, 07:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by prizm

While I'm not that much of a fan of PDF's I must use them on my site for documentation. Since they are large documents, the files are huge. I would say the average size is around 20 MB and would take forever if someone was still on dial up. Does anyone know of a way to shrink these files down a bit?

What are in the PDF documents that are 20MB

prizm · Oct 17th, 2007, 12:20

They are newsletters with lots of information and lots of graphics. To top things off, they are created by someone who has no clue about Adobe products or how to properly resize a picture. They average about 28 pages in length. I do not have time to recreate them in anyway so I'm just looking for an easy way to shrink them or to take them from PDF and convert them to a different format. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Nortus · Oct 21st, 2007, 08:56

Wow!!
Most ebooks (200 pages +) dont reach 20 mb.

As far as conversion, there are bucketloads of websites and software offerings that claim to be able to convert pdf to html, word etc but Ive never tried them.

Try typing 'pdf converter reviews' into google and see what comes up trumps.