People who use computers almost every day are likely to have used files with PDF format. So those who have used it would mostly prefer it over other formats simply because it is easy to use, is compact and is readable on various operative systems. These are the basic but main reasons compelling more people to use it over .doc formatted files. In the latter, if you need to find any word or component out of the matter it can be done with the Find' feature and the same can be done in files with the PDF format. A lot of readers as well have Search functionality. Find function is more about finding a proportion within the document whilst Search is more about locating a file from outside the folder that is to be used. So whichever it is, both can be done with ease and comfort.
A reader is used for the first method of searching. This is more like the way it happens in Word where you can locate a word or phrase inside the file. Once you select the Find function a box appears and the word that is to be found can be typed in it. However it is wise to note that the functionality does not work as competently as in word processor. This means you'd require typing the exact phrase that needs to be found. For instance, if you want to locate the word car' you might see carpenter which is unlikely in the word processor.
You could use Search function to find another file with this format that is to be used. The functionality is better than the other feature since you could specify the case sensitivity, bookmark search or comment search. Locating documents outside the folder can also be done by giving the specific location so it is more of a search engine for the computer system. Apart from this, a pdf to word tool available enables finding files with this format over the Internet. These search engines are actually websites where you could enter the title of the file that is to be accessed. You could download such a tool by looking for options over the Internet.