How we look at and consume digital content has evolved. Whereas standard PDFs have been the default for distributing documents, there’s a newer alternative that’s gaining traction – page turning PDF, or flipbook. Purposed to mirror the look and feel of reading through a real book, flipbooks have presented an interactive approach to delivering information. But in what ways do these two formats actually differ, and which do you want to use on your next project?

How a Page Turning PDF or Flipbook Differently Than a Standard PDF

At first blush, both flipbooks and standard PDFs may look alike – they both convey content digitally. However, the difference comes in how they present and interact with users. From aesthetics to functionality, the two formats exist to serve different purposes and provide different experiences.

1. Visual Presentation

•Traditional PDF 

A traditional PDF provides a straightforward, flat layout. Its design is static, with all content (text, images, and graphics) presented within a scrollable screen. While functional and easy to read, PDFs often lack the visual appeal to captivate readers for extended periods.

•Flipbook

A flipbook simulates the action of flipping through the pages of a printed book or magazine. Page-turning animations, personalized backgrounds, and multimedia integration make for a visually appealing presentation. This immersive layout improves overall readability and makes the reading experience more dynamic and interactive.

Example: Picture looking at an annual report. A PDF shows the information in a plain, linear format, whereas the same report in flipbook mode features animations, inserted videos, and an interactive table of contents.

2. Interactivity

•Conventional PDF

PDFs are not very interactive, being mostly confined to hyperlinks and embedded media (if the author embeds them). Although you can search for text or include notes, the lack of interactivity of PDFs restricts how users can interact.

•Flipbook

Flipbooks elevate engagement to the next level. They allow interactivity like clickable links, forms, embedded video, photo sliders, and even audio. Users are able to hover over, click, and uncover extra layers of content, providing an interactive aspect that PDFs simply can’t match.

Example: In a online product catalog, a PDF can include clickable links. A flipbook, however, enables users to engage with 360-degree product images or play in-document embedded demo videos.

3. Navigation

•Traditional PDF

Navigating a standard PDF generally requires scrolling by hand and using bookmarks or a table of contents. In documents with many pages, this process can be cumbersome.

•Flipbook

Flipbooks are good at smooth and easy navigation. With thumbnail previews, clickable table of contents, and smooth page-turn effects, finding and returning to certain sections is a breeze.

Example: Imagine reading a 100-page magazine. In a PDF, you might endlessly scroll to find an article you want. A flipbook lets you click on the cover or article thumbnails to jump to the section you’re seeking instantly.

4. Multimedia Capabilities

•Traditional PDF

While PDFs may contain multimedia (such as videos or links), they are text- and image-based. Moreover, inserting files of larger sizes can significantly expand a PDF’s file size, causing slower loading times.

•Flipbook

Flipbooks enable smooth multimedia integration without sacrificing performance. Videos, animations, and audio clips can be inserted into the design without expanding file sizes. This feature makes flipbooks a more suitable choice for storytelling or promotional use.

Example: A PDF restaurant menu could contain text-based descriptions of meals, whereas a flipbook menu could contain a looping video presentation of meal preparation or background music to enhance the browsing experience.

5. Sharing and Accessibility

•Traditional PDF

PDFs are convenient to share through email or download, and they are compatible on most devices. Large files can be inconvenient to download, especially on slower internet connections.

•Flipbook

Flipbooks tend to be hosted on the web, so users simply access them from a browser URL. This way, there’s no delay for downloading files, and they can be viewed right away. They’re also made accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms, offering a smooth experience on either side.

Example: Sending a PDF version of a product brochure would mean compressing the file, while sending a flipbook can be done simply by sending a link. No downloads required!

6. Branding and Presentation

•Traditional PDF

Although PDFs can support branding to some extent via headers or footers, they are limited in their options for customization. Uniform layouts become stiff and cookie-cutter-looking in very imaginative projects.

•Flipbook

Flipbooks maximize branding through the ability to customize themes, colors, backgrounds, and logos. This ensures that the output perfectly matches your brand identity and leaves a greater impression on your audience.

Example: A real estate firm employing a PDF for property listings is restricted to basic contact details. A flipbook can include dynamic branding, interactive home walkthroughs, and clickable links for booking viewings.

7. Analytics

•Traditional PDF

Most PDFs are downloaded and accessed offline, so tracking how readers engage with them is virtually impossible. This makes measuring performance or gaining insights challenging.

•Flipbook

Flipbooks have built-in analytical tools. These enable you to monitor page views, time spent on each section, and even which links are being clicked. These are worth their weight in gold for companies wishing to perfect their outreach or marketing campaigns.

A company that sends out a PDF brochure has no idea how much time a prospective client spent looking at their proposal. The same brochure in flipbook might show which pages they looked at most often and provide good follow-up cues. 

Why Your Choice Matters

It ultimately comes down to your intentions. Traditional PDFs are still the best option for static documents such as resumes, legal documents, or reports to be printed out. But if you want to engage and draw in your readers with dynamic content, then a flipbook is the option.

Flipbooks excel in situations where visual attractiveness, interactivity, and brand narration are essential. From digital magazines and catalogs to training guides and marketing flyers, flipbooks open doors that PDFs just can’t.

Regardless of whether you want to craft something timeless or innovative, having an awareness of these distinctions will enable you to choose the optimum format for your project.

Conclusion

The decision between a traditional PDF and a flipbook isn’t about which format is superior – it’s about what works best for your needs. If you’re ready to take your documents to the next level with interactivity, dynamic visuals, and seamless sharing, a PDF to flipbook could be your ideal solution.

One of the top recommended programs to make page turnings PDFs or flipbooks is PageTurnPro flipbook software. Start its 15-day free trial today!