PDFlevel

PDFlevel is a term that refers to the underlying structure and organization of a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. It is not a distinct software application or a formal industry standard in itself, but rather a conceptual way to describe the complexity and sophistication of a PDF document's content and how it is presented. A PDF's "level" can indicate whether it is a simple, flat document, or one that incorporates advanced features and interactive elements.

At a basic level, a PDF can be considered "low-level." This typically describes a document that is essentially a digital representation of a printed page. It contains text and images that are rendered visually but may not be easily selectable, searchable, or structured in a way that allows for advanced manipulation. These are often created by simply printing to a PDF driver.

Conversely, a "high-level" PDF suggests a more robust and feature-rich document. This can include features such as selectable text, searchable content, hyperlinks, form fields, embedded metadata, layers, and even multimedia elements. These PDFs are often generated directly from applications that support these features, or they may have undergone a process like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to make their content accessible. The "level" can also relate to accessibility standards, where well-structured PDFs are considered higher level due to their ability to be interpreted by assistive technologies. The exact definition of PDFlevel can vary depending on the context, but it generally conveys the degree of digital sophistication within a PDF file.