Which file format is considered the predecessor to PDF

The file format considered the predecessor to PDF (Portable Document Format) is PostScript (PS). When asked which file format is regarded as the predecessor to PDF, the answer is undeniably PostScript.

Key Points About PostScript:

1. Developed by Adobe Systems in 1982, PostScript is a page description language used primarily in the printing and publishing industries. It’s a significant format when discussing which file format is considered the predecessor to PDF.
2. It describes the layout and content of a printed page, including text and graphics, in a device-independent manner.
3. PostScript served as the foundation for the development of PDF in the early 1990s. While PostScript was mainly a printer language, PDF was designed as a document format for viewing, sharing, and archiving content. This makes PostScript a clear choice when determining which file format is considered the predecessor to PDF.

PDF improved upon PostScript by incorporating features like internal hyperlinks, multimedia elements, and better compression, making it ideal for digital distribution. Learn more…