Plugins: Acrobat Reader & PDF Documents

What is a PDF?

PDF format offers a way to transfer documents between different computers with different configurations and software. Provided each computer has the Acrobat Reader software installed, everyone will see the same thing.

PDF documents are a good way to share information that is intended for printing. When you print a PDF document, you can be sure the page will look exactly as intended by the publisher. The NGV uses PDF format mainly for this purpose - to disemminate information that needs to be reproduced faithfully, regardless of computer system or printer.

To view a PDF document, you must install the Acrobat Reader software on your system. Consult the software documentation for installation instructions.

 

Tips for working with PDF documents

Viewing PDF documents within a web browser

When viewing a PDF document within a web browser, you will notice that an extra toolbar appears at the top of the page. This toolbar is used to navigate and manipulate the document, not the usual browser toolbar.

For example, to print a PDF document from within a web browser window, you must click on the Print button in the Acrobat toolbar - rather than the usual web browser Print button.

Downloading PDF documents

PDF documents are self-contained and can be stored on your own computer, like any other document. If you want to keep a PDF document for printing later, you are advised to download it.

The method for downloading files from the web differs across computer systems and brands of web browser. Consult your system Help files for the correct way to download and save a link, rather than visit it.

Typically, on a Windows PC, right-click on the link and choose "Download target" to download and save the file.

Typically, on a Mac, control-click on the link and choose "Download target" to download and save the file.

 

A note on Accessibility

Documents provided in PDF format are not web pages. They require the Acrobat Reader software. Should you have any difficulty with this software or for any reason be unable to use an NGV PDF document, please contact the National Gallery of Victoria to discuss your needs.