
The PDF was a proprietary format for Adobe until 2008, when it was released as an open standard.


The idea behind creating the PDF was that you could present or read a document exactly as it was designed, without having to own specific software, hardware, or operating systems. To put it simply, the introduction of the PDF changed the digital landscape. If you’re counting, that means the technology is almost 30 years old.Ĭan you think of any other digital technology you’re using today that is 30 years old?Īside from naming the keyboard and mouse, it might be tough to do! Adobe brought this solution to the public back in the early 90s as a way to remove paper from the workplace. If you’re on the internet, you’ve come across this file format. We’ll start with PDF, or portable document format, basics. The converted PDF can then be made interactive by adding elements such as email links, links to other web pages, animations, embedded videos, and other web specific features. How Does a Flipbook Work?įlipbooks generally start life as a PDF prior to being converted to the final product. The idea behind the flipbook concept was to create a more engaging and interactive digital experience that could go beyond simply having a digital document, by taking advantage of features available on the web at large. What is a digital flipbook?Ī flipbook is a digital reading experience that recreates the layout of a print publication(like magazines, catalogs, brochures and more) or conventional digital PDF, by displaying content left to right, and usually having some sort of page flipping animation, as opposed to the scrolling nature of a PDF document.

The flipbook came to the market in the late 90s and early 2000s. If the PDF opened the door to digital publishing, the flipbook can then be considered its spiritual successor. Read on to learn more about the differences between these two digital publications and which one is most advantageous for your business. Two of the most common methods include PDFs and flipbooks. At Nxtbook Media, we work with marketers, publishers and content creators across all kinds of industries to develop successful digital publications that further brand development and attract audiences.Īs digital platforms have expanded and evolved in recent years, so have our methods for delivering effective digital content.
