Skip Navigation

Return to non-screen reader version

Skip to Global Site Links

Start Content

Help

What is Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format

Some documents such as publications are too long or too complex to be easily converted to the standard "html" file, which your browser usually displays. As a result, websites sometimes offer these documents in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If you are familiar with PDF files and have a copy of Adobe's free Acrobat Reader, you may want to skip the following paragraphs, which give information on downloading and reading PDF files.

What are PDF Files?

Adobe has created a type of file that looks the same on any computer when opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader. These files allow for special tables, graphics, and typefaces that cannot be created any other way for the World Wide Web. Adobe named this type of file Portable Document Format or PDF.

Do I need special Software?

Yes, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader to use these files. You can download this software from Adobe's website. To get the software at no cost, click on the link below. It will take you to the Adobe Acrobat Reader download site.

Image of the Adobe Acrobat Reader logo

Download Adobe Acrobat Now!

People with visual disabilities can download tools and information at http://access.adobe.com/ to help make Adobe PDF files accessible.

Now can I just click on a PDF link?

You are now ready to download PDF files for viewing. Go ahead. Remember now that you have installed the Adobe Acrobat software, you have the ability to access many more documents on the Internet. Many companies offer documents in this format, and more are doing it everyday.

Sometimes you may wish to save PDF files to a your hard drive or a disk and then view them offline, or allow your browser to automatically open the file for you to view and/or print. Remember when you are looking at any file ending in ".pdf" it is an Adobe file.



Page Last Updated: April 11, 2007

 

Link to HHS Link to HHS
  Home |  FAQs |  Return to non-screen reader version |  Español  |  Mailing List
 
 
    The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare
 
   
MyMedicare.gov   Click this padlock image to see more information about MyMedicare.gov security
Secure Sign In
This is an optional and free service
learn more | sign up

Prescription Drug Plan

Medicare & You 2008

Am I Eligible?

Medicare Billing 

Medicare Appeals 

Long-Term Care 

Plan Choices 

Preventive Services 

Personal Health Records 

Address Change

Replacement Card

Medicaid Enrollment

Provider Information

Ombudsman 

Emergency

Glossary

Privacy Practices

Medicare Online Forms

Search Tools



Link to Department of Health and Human Services Website
 
Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us |  Website Privacy | Website Policies
Freedom of Information Act | USA.gov
51
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services