A Bout of Presentation Formats: PDF as an Alternative to PowerPoint

It seems that the PDF format has been challenged left, right and centre from many vantage points-its format, its appearance, its proprietary, its portability. . . The list can go on. There always seems to be something out there that may do something better than the PDF can do that inspire "when do I use PDF and when do I use (enter technology name here)?" questions. Sound familiar?

Courageously enough, the PDF has held its ground against attacks and challenges. Even against threats of being "replaced" by new technologies which boast aspects that don't deal with the PDF's immediate purpose. One thing the PDF should be able to do is step up to the duel grounds and sling a white silk glove on its own to a cheek. Thus, PDF says, "En Garde".

The PDF as a Presentation Format

Accessibility

Creating a tagged PDF allows you to customize a PDF for added viewing functions such as keyboard control, read aloud options, higher visibility etc. for accessibility. You can manipulate these features, though, to enhance the interactivity of your PDF presentation.

However, make note that scanned image PDFs turned into PowerPoint can't be read aloud. Viewers can check A PDF for accessibility, though, by going to the Document menu and clicking on Accessibility Quick Check.

Visual appearance

You can use the PDF to create a slideshow by using the full screen mode. With some applications, you can even set the page conversion settings for transitions, for opening directly into the slideshow mode and for automatic looping.

In addition, because PDFs are usually manually made and then converted, you can create your PDF presentation using an authoring application of your choice to better convey different numerical, visual or technical ideas. Then convert-it's just that easy. Use a projector or use a central computer screen for communal or individual viewing.

Online resources

Some PowerPoint presentations already exist in the PDF format on the Internet. It's ideal for individual viewing and researching for brief, concise information. Viewers don't miss out on what an absent presenter might have covered as attachments and comments accompanying the PDF can easily provide any supplementary resources that are essential to the viewing of the presentation.

Compatibility

MS PowerPoint is proprietary software and not everyone may have the PowerPoint application on their computer. Sure PowerPoint presentations can be saved to CD with the choice of also including the PowerPoint Viewer with it, but why have that extra hardware of a CD? It's more likely that people may already have the Adobe reader installed instead. PDF becomes a great alternative to solving such application problems.

If You Need an Alternative. . .

There are more versatile uses to which the PDF can be put. The only way to find them is through experimentation, manipulation and innovation. The PDF won't "replace" the PowerPoint format; it isn't bold enough to do that. It only provides another sound alternative. Not only, is it easy, but it's also practical. So challenge all you want with your different formats, the PDF can do likewise!

Quick Site Links