Portable Document Format
National Cancer Institute · Definitions · 2020
An open file format created and controlled by Adobe Systems, for representing twodimensional documents in a device independent and resolution independent fixed-layout document format.Each PDF file encapsulates a complete description of a 2D document that includes the text, fonts, images, and 2D vector graphics that compose the document.PDF files do not encode information that is specific to the application software, hardware, or operating system used to create or view the document.T his feature ensures that a valid PDF will render exactly the same regardless of its origin or destination (but depending on font availability when fonts are not encapsulated in the file).