Converting a file into a Portable Document Format (PDF) is the process of transforming a digital document into a standardized, cross-platform format that preserves its original formatting and layout. One common example is converting Microsoft Word documents to PDF to ensure consistent presentation when sharing or submitting.
Portable Document Format plays a crucial role in document management and distribution due to its universal accessibility, smaller file size compared to images, and enhanced security features. Historically, the development of PDF in 1993 revolutionized digital document sharing by providing a reliable and portable format.