Guide · 7 min read
PDF Format Explained
Learn what a PDF is, how PDF files store content, and which tools suit each task.
What a PDF is
PDF, or Portable Document Format, was designed to keep a document looking the same on every device. It stores text, vector shapes, fonts, and images inside one self-contained file.
A PDF can include a text layer, which makes text searchable and extractable, or contain only images when the file comes from a scanner.
Text layers versus scanned pages
Documents created by word processors and design tools usually include a text layer. Scanned PDFs store pictures of pages, so they need OCR before the text can be searched or edited.
Use PDF to Word when a text layer exists. Use OCR PDF first for scanned documents.
Choosing the right tool
Merge and Split PDF manage page collections. Compress PDF reduces file size. Protect PDF controls access, and Watermark PDF adds ownership text.
All tools run locally in the browser, so documents never leave your device.