On this page
- Recommended software for viewing documents
- Alternative or accessible formats
- Help with PDF files
Most computers will open the documents on this website automatically, but if you have trouble viewing a document you may have to install software on your computer. The software you need depends on the format of the document, which is shown below the document link (for instance "PDF format").
Document type |
Software required |
Links to download reader software |
PDF document
(*.pdf) |
Adobe Reader, Foxit Reader or an alternative |
|
Word document
(*.doc, *.docx) |
Microsoft Word, Word Viewer or Open Office |
|
Excel spreadsheet
(*.xls, *.xlsx) |
Microsoft Excel, Excel Viewer or Open Office |
|
PowerPoint presentation
(*.pps, *.ppt, *.pptx) |
Microsoft PowerPoint, PowerPoint Viewer or Open Office |
|
ODF document
(*.odt, *.ods, *.odp) |
Apache OpenOffice |
|
How to obtain alternative / accessible formats.
This document is available in a range of formats. You may wish in the first instance to contact the 'owners' of the document. Their contact details will be included in the document or on the related webpage.
Alternatively please contact the Support Services Division (OPM) with your requirements. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Office of the Prime Minister
Support Services Division
18/3
South Street
Valletta
You can also contact us through:
Telephone number: 22002316
PDF stands for Portable Document Format and is a common internet file format. It's used for electronic distribution because it keeps the look and feel of the original document, including the fonts, colours, images, and layout.
It also can be used across many different types of computers and browsers and is commonly used for government publications, leaflets and forms.
Opening PDF files
You can download a program called Acrobat Reader and install it onto your computer. The program is available free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat site. Because the download is large - typically between 8MB and 16MB - you may find it easier to find a copy of the program on one of the CDs distributed by computer magazines.
Downloading PDF files to e-readers
If you are downloading a PDF file to an e-reader such as a Kindle or iPad it may have a built in PDF reader. If this is the case you will not need to download Adobe reader. Consult your device manual for more details.
PDF files and browsers
You can configure your web browser to open PDF files either within the browser window or in a separate Adobe Acrobat window. There are detailed instructions on the Acrobat website on how to do so for different browsers.
You may have issues viewing PDF files on your browser. Common symptoms include a blank page in the web browser or a red X icon. There are detailed instructions on the Acrobat website on how to solve some of the most common PDF-display issues.
Alternatively, if you are using Google Chrome, you can add the PDF viewer extension to Chrome by visiting the following page.
Are PDF files accessible?
PDF file standards have improved over the years. They are more accessible due to technologies like screen readers, navigation through the keyboard and enhanced screen viewing.
The Adobe site provides information on how best to use these features. You may come across earlier versions of PDF files which are not so accessible.
How do I search a PDF file?
When you open a PDF file an Acrobat toolbar will appear, featuring a number of tools to help you view and search the document. Running your mouse over the icons, without clicking, will tell you what each of them does. The Search tool will search the document for a word or phrase.
Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader is by far the most popular PDF viewer but there are others available for download that will allow you to view and print PDF documents on a variety of platforms and systems. The following site may help: