Over the past few years, I have experienced various challenges and frustrations with using a PDF editor. It is surprising that a file format that has been around since the 1990s does not have a universally efficient solution. I have often wondered why this is the case.
Numerous free and paid PDF editors are available, including some from industry titans such as Adobe. However, a common problem that some editors may have is that they can unintentionally remove or alter the metadata that was previously created in the document.
Metadata refers to the essential information about the document, such as the author's name, creation date, modification date, and version history. The metadata can be crucial for collaborations, audits, and tracking changes to the document. If the metadata is removed or modified, it can result in confusion, errors, or legal issues.
Some PDF editors may unintentionally remove or alter the metadata when applying certain editing features or saving the document. This can be frustrating for users who rely on metadata for their work.
To avoid this issue, users should carefully choose a PDF editor with a reputation for preserving metadata. They should review the editor's settings and options to ensure that metadata is not unintentionally removed or modified during the editing process. Additionally, users can manually add or update the metadata using a separate tool or software to ensure the information is accurate and complete.
As an exercise, I plan to create a simple PDF editor and then progressively add more advanced features to it. This approach will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of the PDF file format and its structure, as well as explore the various editing options that can be implemented.