The PDF (Portable Document Format) has been around since the early 1990's. So attractive has this format become that it is used everywhere on the web, and used in production of many of the e-zines that are continually cropping up. It has also become industry standard in commercial printing, and a top choice solution when you want your documents to be viewed just as intended.

What I am introducing here, is Adobe's latest PDF creation program, Acrobat 8 Professional. With many new features, it provides the user with ultimate control over output. There is also a Standard version available, and you can check out the differences here.

 

What I liked most, is the program's ease of use. There is plenty of help available right from the start with the opening "Getting Started" menu. Everything you need to get right to work, right away. Whatever you are aiming to accomplish, it is straight-forward, with little fumbling around.

 

The user interface sports a great new look that is very comfortable to work in, and surely a lot less intimidating than previous versions. The program also seems to run a whole lot smoother, and more quickly, which is a definite plus.

Combining files is easy, and any combination of files can be combined into a single PDF. You can embed anything from 3D, to audio and video. Also, there is now the ability to package multiple PDFs into a single PDF, called a PDF Package. This keeps the individual PDF documents intact, and all in one place. In a PDF package, the files each retain their own unique settings, signatures, etc.

Want to keep archives of your important e-mail? If you use Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes you can do just that, and easily search those archives for just what you're looking for.

Clutter can be an annoyance, as well as a hindrance to workflow. You want the tools you use the most to be ready at hand. For this reason, the interface is now fully customizable, with the option to display only the tools you need.

Remember what I said about having ultimate control over your output? Well, let's now talk in terms of file-size. When producing content for the web, and especially when there is a lot of imagery involved, in most cases you want to achieve a good balance of quality in relation to the resulting size of the document. This is where the included PDF Optimizer comes in.

When optimizing, you can check the sizes of the elements in your document and change as needed. For example, you can change the resolution of images, therefore reducing the overall size of the document.

You can also size, crop, and shape images directly within a PDF, without having to export to an external image editor. Of course, if you are aiming at high quality print, there is the option to export to a PDF/X file, when you want your work to look its best.

 

There are plenty of features available when you need to send documents out for corrections, or editing by others. Even users that only have the free Acrobat reader can make corrections when it is enabled by the person using Acrobat 8 Professional. Also, you can create electronic forms that can be filled out and saved offline by anyone in this same manner.

Another addition to the Acrobat line, is Acrobat Connect, and though it is a separate product it is integrated into Acrobat 8. This product was formerly Macromedia Breeze, and allows users to get involved in web conferencing at the touch of a button from within Acrobat 8 Professional.  

Overall, I think this product is a big step in terms of usage and functionality. It is a bit on the pricy side, but a great toolset with all it has to offer.

Pricing:

Full
US$449

Upgrade
US$159

System Requirements:

Windows

• Intel® Pentium® III processor or equivalent
• Microsoft® Windows® 2000 with Service Pack 4 or Windows XP Professional, Home Edition, or Tablet PC Edition with Service Pack 2
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0
• 256MB of RAM (512MB recommended)
• 860MB of available hard-disk space; cache for optional installation files (recommended) requires an additional 460MB of available hard-disk space
• 1,024x768 screen resolution
• CD-ROM drive
• Internet or phone connection required for product activation

Macintosh

• PowerPC® G3, G4, G5, or Intel processors
• Mac OS X v.10.4.3
• 256MB of RAM (512MB recommended)
• 1,060MB of available hard-disk space
• 1,024x768 screen resolution

 

 

Acrobat 8 Professional is currently available separately, and packaged as below:

Adobe® Acrobat® 8 Professional	Adobe Creative Suite 2	Adobe Web Bundle

For more information, check out the Adobe website.

Nick's Notes is a Renderosity Front Page column with Managing Editor, Nick C. Sorbin, providing reviews, interviews, and general commentary.