Google’s John Mueller stated it’s advantageous to publish some content material in each PDF and HTML codecs. He stated each “might be proven independently within the search outcomes.” If Google sees them as duplicates, in some circumstances, Google could present the HTML model in its search outcomes.
He posted this Q&A in a AskGooglebot video.
The query was, “Can my web site publish content material in each HTML and PDF?”
13 years in the past John Mueller from Google stated it could deal with it on the subject of each PDF and HTML variations. In 2106, Gary Illyes stated you needn’t fear about it and John stated it is no drawback.
Right here is the video embed:
Right here is the transcript:
At the moment’s query comes from Karina who asks if it is okay to publish content material twice as soon as in HTML and as soon as as a downloadable PDF file?
It is completely advantageous to do that.
On the whole Google programs can discover each sorts of pages and index them individually even when the phrases in them are technically duplicates. They are often proven independently within the search outcomes. You’ve got controls to handle this if you wish to.
For instance, you could possibly use a no index HTTP header or robots meta tag to dam indexing of 1 or use the rel canonical hyperlink factor to inform us about your choice.
In apply, usually content material is accessible in only one format or the opposite just because that is what your viewers desires. in case you have a restaurant menu people will wish to take a look at it on their telephones so a traditional HTML web page is finest. Alternatively, in case you have a selected type to fill out as a tough copy then utilizing a PDF file could make sense. And a few sorts of content material may work properly in each codecs, resembling a guidebook or case examine obtainable to evaluate in paper type.
If our programs see these as duplicates they’re going to normally defer to the HTML web page model.
It is value mentioning on the subject of PDFs it is a good apply to incorporate a hyperlink to your web site within the PDF so that folk can discover their method again.
Discussion board dialogue at X.