What does PDF stand for in file formats?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This file format was developed by Adobe Systems in the early 1990s to enable the exchange of documents regardless of the software, hardware, or operating system used by the sender and recipient. The primary advantage of a PDF file is that it preserves the formatting of the document, ensuring that fonts, images, graphics, and layout will appear the same on any device or screen. This uniformity makes PDF a popular choice for sharing official documents, such as forms, reports, and e-books, as it maintains a consistent viewing experience across different platforms.

The other terms listed, while they might seem plausible, do not correctly define the PDF format. Understanding the specific meaning and purpose of the Portable Document Format is crucial for anyone working in graphic design, as it is commonly used for creating and sharing documents in a professional context.