PDFs, short for Portable Document Format, are an effective tool that any website should utilize to improve the delivery of important information to website users. Creating PDFs is a convenient way to provide important information to users in a single, downloadable document. While some have argued that PDFs reduce accessibility and readability of content, a properly designed PDF actually improves both.
1. Create Documents with Readability in Mind
When creating a PDF, it is important to remember that the most important factor is that the information is easy to read. Choose a font that is easy to read and make sure that the size is large enough. It is a good idea to have someone that is older or who has poor vision to read over the document to ensure that it is sufficiently easy to read.
Creating PDFs is not difficult and there are tools to convert aspx to pdf available online. This ensures that the content on your website and the PDF will match both in visual design and information included.
2. PDFs Should Be Convenient and Easy to Use
Most PDFs should be created to be short and with a small file size in most cases. With some exceptions, like creating instructional manuals, PDFs are intended to be an easy-to-access resource. As such, the file size should not exceed 30-40 KB. This ensures a quick download and will lead to higher user retention rates. The longer that a file takes to download, the more likely that the user will cancel it and move on to another resource.
3. Indicate When a Link Is a PDF
When creating links to PDFs on your website, it is important to indicate that the link is to a PDF file. Most users do not like to be surprised by a PDF downloading onto their device and this can negatively impact their user experience. By indicating that a link leads to a PDF, the user will not be surprised by the download and will be more likely to continue to use your website. Remember that positive user experience is the most important factor that contributes to user retention.
4. Know When It Is Appropriate to Use a PDF
In most cases, it is appropriate to provide PDFs as an alternative to information available on the website and as a way to save a copy of that information rather than the only way to access it. Adding a link to download a PDF containing the information provided is a quick and easy way to ensure that the information is provided in the format that you intended without forcing your user to download the content if they do not want to.
Ask yourself this question: “Is this a resource that my user will want to refer back to later?” If so, then it is probably appropriate to provide a PDF. Good examples of when a PDF is appropriate include resource guides, articles and blog posts, and instructional manuals.
The post 4 Tips to Effectively Utilize PDFs on Your Website appeared first on Home Business Magazine.
source https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/website-development/4-tips-effectively-utilize-pdf-website/
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