UX is everywhere, even in PDFs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When sharing a PDF online, it\u2019s important to remember that a percentage of your audience will print it. Yes, PRINT. And the more useful and actionable the PDF, the more likely it will be printed and kept as a reference guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are 7 ways to improve the usability of your PDFs and ensure they’re truly printer-friendly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
More than likely, your PDF will be printed in black and white. Meaning, every color will now read as gray:<\/p>\n
The blue, green, and orange segments in your pie chart? Gray, gray, and gray.<\/p>\n
To circumvent\u00a0this, ensure your designer views the PDF in grayscale mode.\u00a0If any issues are identified, recommend using\u00a0visual elements that aren’t dependent on subtle or nuanced colors. For example,\u00a0use high contrast colors, icons, or special typographic treatments instead.<\/p>\n
Use captions below (or headings above) photos to ensure important information in the image is still communicated.<\/p>\n
Look for ways to reduce the amount of printer ink your PDF will consume. Your customers will thank you \u2014 and be more likely to download future PDFs.<\/p>\n
Eliminate background colors or color blocks \u2014 even light grays, yellows, etc.<\/p>\n
Reduce the number or size of photographs and other ink-intensive graphics.<\/p>\n
Allow for enough margin on the left side of each page so that printouts can be 3-hole punched and placed in a 3-ring binder.<\/p>\n
When\u00a0individual pages get separated from a\u00a0document, page numbers save the day.\u00a0They\u00a0also make it easier to\u00a0refer back to key information\u00a0(did you see my note on page 8?).<\/p>\n
Shorter e-books and guides will be more likely printed (and read) than longer ones. If you have simply too much invaluable content to share, consider breaking up the PDF into multiple chapters \/ documents.<\/p>\n
Once printed, links won\u2019t be clickable any more. Convert long URLs to short URLs (e.g., Bit.ly), or create vanity URLs for your readers to type into an Internet browser.<\/p>\n
Most people don\u2019t know what QR codes are \u2014 let alone use them \u2014 and so I recommend avoiding them.<\/p>\n
Some people will try\u00a0accessing a PDF on their phone, but then\u00a0give up when they realize it’s completely unreadable. The font size becomes too small for even insects to read.<\/p>\n
Until PDFs become mobile-responsive, it\u2019s a good idea to give your users the option to access the same content in a readable, user-friendly way: on a responsive web page.<\/p>\n
Did I miss any usability tips for creating printer-friendly PDFs? Tweet me @KristineRemer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\nRelated Articles<\/h2>\n\n\n