PDF was introduced 15 years ago. Since then it has become one of the most wide-spread format in the web. The reasons PDF is so popular today are simple:

First, PDF files are platform-independent. It means that one can create a PDF file on his Mac and another person will be able to read it in Microsoft Vista. What's important PDF file will de displayed in both cases in the same way preserving all fonts, graphics and layout.

Second, PDF is very popular for ebooks as it is easy-to-read. PDF files look like printed media, not like a common txt file with text. Besides, PDF ebooks contain links to other pages and even web sites giving intsant access to related information.

And PDF files are good for printing on various devices. Again the result will be the same whatever printer you use. PDF documents are safe for sensitive information as it can be protected with passwords and permissions. The ability to insert digital signatures is also a plus. Adobe PDF eBooks are usually small files that can de downloaded from the web without any loss in quality.

But PDF has some downsides too. First, the necessary software is expensive and not very easy-to-use. You should have over $700 to get Adobe Acrobat Professional.

Second, Adobe Acrobat is not very easy-to-use. Every two years Adobe releases a new verion with extended options and new features. It's sometimes hard for a beginner to realize how they all work. Besides, different versions of Acrobat are not very compatible - new features are not supported in older versions, which is not very practical.

PDF is not very specific, it is "everything to everybody". In many cases HTML files are far more efficient in the web. Besides you often can not edit PDF files.

Anyway, surveys show that PDF documents are very popular in the web. Sometimes you just need to convert pdf to html or jpeg to your specific need.

How to convert PDF to HTML

How to convert PDF to Jpeg