Tips : Making PDFs for web sites
Preparing PDF Files for Searching
Make sure each PDF file has correct document properties, especially the title. An incorrect title makes it difficult for a person viewing search results to tell if this file is useful to them.
If possible, break long PDF files into smaller single-subject files, such as book sections, chapters or even chapter sections. That way, no one will accidentally
download a very long document just because a word has been matched.
PDF and Metadata
Metadata is defined as "information about information". For simple search engines,
that generally constitutes the document title, description, keywords, file size and
modification date, but it can be much richer than that, providing many more ways to
describe an object, and to search for that object. For more information, see the
SearchTools Report on Metadata. (http://www.searchtools.com/info/metadata.html)
When search tools index PDF files, they can get the text from the PDF information
fields, such as a document title and additional keywords. If the document
creator didn't enter that information, the indexer may attempt to generate a title, or
may just use the file name of the document.
PDF and Metadata
Metadata is defined as "information about information". For simple search engines, that generally
- Make three document types.
• "interactive version" for presentations, e.g. CD-ROMs
• "print version" from which users can make hard copies;
• smallest possible, screen-optimised Web version. - That way, when time runs short and it's time to upload your PDF to the Web, you won't be tempted to "settle" for a fatter version than needed.
- Check the links.
- Use bookmarks. Users can keep track of where they are and where they're going - recreate print books' table of contents.
- Beware thumbnails/article threading. Can be a stumbling block to easy navigation.
- Set the opening page to an intuitive place. Choose correctly - so that users don't get confused or lost in the navigation.
- Set zoom level.
- Optimise the file. This is easy to forget, as last minute tweaks cause files to be re-edited and re-opened . . . and re-expanded.
- Use Adobe Type I or II fonts. TrueType is getting better.
- Embed fonts and graphics.
- Make the page numbers match the print version.
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