Portable Document Format (PDF)

Accessing Data

Overview

Portable Document Files (PDF) are automatically produced by most instruments, providing an overview of the collected data without any user intervention. They mimic what would historically have been paper printouts from instruments on completion of data collection. More information on PDF files can be found on the Library's Skills Guide pages.

Subject Guides: Working with PDFs

Viewing PDF files

PDF files are usually supported natively by most operating systems, and there is usually no need for specific software to view the files. Most web browser (e.g. Chrome and Firefox) can be used to open PDF files directly. More information on using PDF files can be found on the Libray Skills Guide pages linked above.

Limitations

PDF files are automatically produced by instruments without any optimisation of the specific needs for any particular analysis. PDF files are useful to give a rough overview of the collected data, but are very limited compared to reprocessible or raw data formats where data can be examined and reprocessed in a manner which can be optimised for the specific chemistry involved. Generally PDF files are only suitable for use during Year 1, and you would be expected to reprocess any data being analysed by year 2.

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