A PDF is a wonderfully versatile file format that you can use for any and every type of document.



Today we will look at: What is a PDF format? Learn how to create a PDF and discover the best way to design brochures, magazines, eBooks, etc. that will convert beautifully into PDFs.
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What Is a PDF Document?
A PDF is a free open standard file format. PDF stands for Portable Document Format. PDFs are usually created in a primary application of the user’s choice—Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, etc.—and then converted to the PDF file format. This preserves the fonts, images, and layout of the source document exactly as it was created and allows the creator to share it electronically so that the document can be viewed and printed on any device, independent of operating system or software.
As PDFs don’t rely on the software that created them, nor on any specific digital device or operating system, they look the same no matter what device they’re opened on.



PDF documents can contain text, images, links, interactive buttons, form fields, audio, video, and more. They can be signed electronically, and PDFs can also be edited if they’re not protected by using programs like Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, Sejda PDF Editor, etc.
How to Create a PDF
Creating a PDF is relatively simple. In programs like Microsoft Word and Apple Pages, after you create your document, you go to File > Print > Save to PDF. And in programs like Adobe InDesign, you to File > Export > Format > Adobe PDF.



For more information on creating PDFs, check out these helpful articles.


Adobe InDesignHow to Embed Fonts in a PDFZap Layden

Affinity PublisherHow to Save a PDF in Affinity Publisher (For Web & for Print)Zap Layden
Best InDesign Templates for Making PDFs
If you want to create magazines, books, flyers, and brochures that will be eventually converted to PDF for printing or sharing on the web, the quickest and most cost-effective way to do so is to start with an InDesign template. Templates offer professional layouts and placeholders for text, images, and graphics that you can edit to create the exact look you want.



When you’re looking for premium InDesign templates, Envato Elements is a great source. The service offers unlimited downloads of millions of premium digital assets, including various graphic templates, mockups, logos, photos, fonts, and more, for one low monthly fee.
Here’s a selection of the best creative InDesign templates to help you get started on the right foot.
Galina: Brochure InDesign Layout Template (INDD)



This gorgeous InDesign layout template offers a clean, modern aesthetic that’s perfect for any type of company, organisation, or individual use. The template offers 22 unique layouts in A4 and US Letter size. Use it to create your next powerful and unforgettable promotional campaign.
Creative InDesign Template for Cookbooks (INDD, IDML)



When you’re looking for just the right cookbook design, this creative InDesign template for cookbooks has to be at the top of your list. The package includes multi-page IDML and INDD templates in A4 size.
Adobe InDesign Template for Magazines (INDD)



When you decide to create a magazine that offers something a bit different from the others out there, you’re going to need a terrific template. This InDesign layout template is it. It offers 32 unique layouts, all of which are fully editable. Choose the pages you need, replace the image placeholders with your own photos, add text, and change the colour scheme to suit your brand.
CV Resume InDesign Layout Template (INDD, DOC, PDF)



Need a CV template to impress? How about CV Resume InDesign Layout Template? This professional and modern template is great for a range of professionals, from businesspeople to entrepreneurs to designers and much more. The A4 template includes two versions in yellow and silver. All graphics are resizable and editable.
Creative InDesign Template for Brochure (INDD)



You deserve the best when creating a brochure for your business, so choose this creative InDesign template. The A4 template offers 12 stunning page layouts, giving you plenty of options for creating a document that meets your needs. The template is fully editable, so you can easily add your own images, text, and colour scheme.
Adobe InDesign Template for eBooks (INDD, PDF)



Ready to launch your first eBook? You’re going to need a high-quality design to stand out from the crowd. How about this Adobe InDesign Template for eBooks? It comes in US Letter size, and with 28 unique pages, it’s designed to suit a wide range of purposes.
Lightazine InDesign Layout Template (INDD)



How about this terrific magazine template for creating a truly unique and eye-catching zine? Lightazine INDD template offers 32 stylish page layouts in both A4 and US Letter size templates. Download this stunning template and get to work creating a product you can be proud of.
Business Brochure Abobe InDesign Template (IDML, INDD)



Business Brochure Abobe InDesign Template offers enough variety in page layouts to create outstanding brochures. The A4 template is easy to customise. Just select your preferred pages from the 24 offered, replace the placeholder images with your own images, add your text and brand colours, and your brochure is ready to export to PDF.
Creative InDesign Template for CVs (INDD, DOC, PDF)



Ready to update your CV? This INDD template is made for you. Its modern layout suits a number of professionals, and it is super easy to customise in InDesign or Word.
Adobe InDesign Template for Travel Magazines (INDD)



Just drop your own pictures and text into this stunning INDD template for travel-related content, and it’s ready for print. That’s the beauty of using professional templates—they take care of the design part, so you can focus on your content. The template includes 28 unique pages in both A4 and US Letter size.
Choose Your Favourite InDesign Template
Now you know all about PDFs and where to find great InDesign templates that you can convert to PDF. If you haven’t found an INDD template here that quite fits your needs, don’t worry—there are plenty of others to choose from at Envato Elements, so head on over and select your favourite INDD template.
And finally, if you want more information on PDFs and InDesign templates, check out these really helpful articles below:


Newsletter Templates41 Best Newspaper Templates to Download (InDesign, PSD, PDF)Nona Blackman

Digital Brochure42 Best Digital Brochure Templates (For InDesign, Word, PDF, PSD)Nona Blackman

eBooksHow to Create an eBook in Adobe InDesignGrace Fussell

Affinity Publisher54 Best Affinity Publisher Templates (Including Brochure Templates)Daisy Ein

TemplatesHow to Design a Product CatalogueLaura Keung

Graphic Design30 Restaurant Menu Templates With Creative DesignsMarc Schenker
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