Why Going HTML Over PDF is Worth It

Better for mobile and responsive viewing

About 60% of web content is viewed on mobile browsers, and PDFs don’t scale to fit small screens. They mimic a fixed page size, forcing users to pinch, scroll, or reorient, which can frustrate navigation.  HTML, by contrast, is inherently responsive and adapts to any device, ensuring a smooth reading experience.

Improved searchability

HTML is text-based and easily searchable by both users and search engines. PDFs, especially those with images or complex layouts, are harder to search, limiting discoverability.

Greater accessibility

HTML pages comply with open web standards, making them accessible to anyone with a modern browser without extra software. Older or unremediated PDFs, may not meet accessibility standards creating barriers for people with disabilities

Changes to make to your website

Use Acquia Optimize to pull an inventory of all your PDFs. If you have a PDF that is one or two pages - create HTML pages for this information. Agencies use PDFs for board agendas, minutes, and one-page brochures.

Make those HTML documents. Discuss with the support team about making a content type for info you use often, like agendas or minutes. Also, unpublish any old or rarely used PDFs.

In short, HTML wins for adaptability, accessibility, and ease of use on the web, while PDFs remain the go-to for fixed, print-ready, or highly secure documents.