Distributables in PDF vs HTML?

[Geoff Hart <ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca>]

Caroline Tabach wondered: <<It was suggested we distribute Release 
Notes in HTML rather than PDF, What are the advantages/disadvantages of 
HTML vs PDF.>>

You should probably turn the problem around and ask what you're trying 
to accomplish with the release notes, and only then ask whether each 
format supports that goal adequately. Starting with a tool-based 
approach ignores the reader's needs, and those should be most 
important, not a secondary consideration.

For example, if the release notes are going to be modified by someone 
like a system administrator (e.g., to reflect a customized local 
installation of a tool) and posted on a corporate intranet, HTML is 
arguably better because it's an editable format; moreover, it's hard to 
imagine anyone who doesn't have a browser installed on their computer 
these days.

You noted that HTML display is browser-dependant, and although that's 
true, it should be irrelevant for something as simple as release notes. 
If browser compatibility is a concern for the basic display of text, it 
probably means you're getting way too complicated; emphasize the 
content, not all kinds of fancy tricks.

If precise control over formatting is important, go with PDF. PDF lets 
you control the printout with maximum precision, but it's not an 
editable format; that may be an advantage if you don't want people 
mucking about with your text and you're also willing to consider 
protecting the document (locking it so people can only read, not copy). 
On the other hand, not everyone has Acrobat Reader or an equivalent on 
their computer, and there have been significant incompatibilities 
between a few of the recent versions of Reader. This might force your 
readers to install something new, and that can be next to impossible in 
a tightly locked-down corporate environment.

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Geoff Hart   ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca
(try geoffhart -at- mac -dot- com if you don't get a reply)
www.geoff-hart.com
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