Document Interchange

Ratings and Reviews of Document Interchange Software

Document Interchange Software

If you develop white papers, "high end" brochures, product specifications, manuals, reports or any other document that you

intend to distribute both through print and web-based media, you'll want to investigate the software applications that are described on this page. The "industry standard" in this area, is of course, Adobe's Acrobat software. You probably already have Acrobat Reader on your PC or Macintosh, but may it's time that you add the capability to produce Acrobat documents yourself (and simplify web distribution and streamline the process of sending and producing documents in concert with your printing shop). Or, maybe what you need is a way to "pre-flight" your documents before you send them to the printer for production. There are tools for that here too.

Interesting, specialized software - but software, that we at Home Office Reports can't live without! So, what are the issues surrounding Print and Pre-Press Software?

Your System: These applications do a great deal of processing and "eat" a lot of memory and CPU doing it. Bigger is better! More CPU, more memory.
Compatibility: The beauty of software like that described below is that it MAKES documents and files MORE COMPATIBLE! However, make sure your operating system is up to the task.

Support: The more complex the software, the more important it is for the manufacturer to stand behind it and help you if you run into trouble. Make sure that the software manufacturer has a robust customer support site and process before you buy!

Upgrade Costs: Once you've invested in software, you'll have to keep investing in the upgrades. Make sure you look into the costs of upgrades (historically) for your software, or if it's brand new product, the track record of the company producing the software.

So, let's delve into the mysterious world of Printing and Pre-Press Software.

Some vendors offer more than one package in this category. We'll review them in table format within that vendor's detailed review.

Document Interchange Software Review

Document Interchange Software*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

Company	Best For*	Simple Start-Up	Cost	Time Savings	Ease of Use	Works With	Support	Features	Overall Rating
ABBYY	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2	iii1/2	%%%1/2
Adobe	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYYY	pppp	iiii1/2	%%%%
ARTS PDF	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2+	iiii	%%%%
Broderbund	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pp1/2	iii1/2	%%%1/2
Cosmi	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pp1/2	iii1/2	%%%1/2
DocSmartz	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pppp	iii1/2+	%%%1/2+
DocuDesk	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYYY	pppp	iiii1/2	%%%%
Macromedia	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2	iii1/2	%%%1/2
Nuance (formerly ScanSoft)	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2	iii1/2+	%%%1/2+
XELERATE	ARP	¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pp	iii1/2	%%%1/2

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

ABBYY

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

ABBYY's PDF Transformer is straight forward to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

PDF Transformer is priced at $99.99.

Software

Price

O/S Supported

Overview

Features

Compatibility

PDF Transformer 2.0 Pro

$99.99

Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003

PDF Conversion to Microsoft Word, Excel, HTML or TXT

Compatible with all PDF types
Integrates with Microsoft Office applications
Convert any PDF file into Microsoft Word, Excel, HTML or TXT format
Integration with Microsoft Outlook to convert attachments
Conversion to fully editable documents retaining layout and formatting - tables, columns, graphics, bulleted and numbered lists, text fonts and sizes are recreated
Compliant with PDF security settings
Select specific document areas for conversion
Recreation of links
Retention of document properties
Multilingual PDF conversion
Page size retention
Retention of image quality
Convert image PDFs to searchable PDFs
Create PDF files from applications

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

An easy way to convert a "read only" Acrobat file into an editable Word, Excel, HTML or TXT file.

Ease of Use - @@@@

PDF Transformer can run as a plug-in or users can take advantage of their wizard-style interface that simplifies the conversion process.

Works With - YYY

PDF Transformer is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp1/2

ABBYY is a Russian company (the first Microsoft "Gold" partner from that country). They offer a FAQ and U.S.-based email and telephone support (no "800" number, you'll pay long distance charges where they apply).

Features - iii1/2

A good conversion utility for folks who want to turn a PDF into an editable document.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

If you want to convert PDF to another format only - a good choice.

Adobe

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Adobe's Acrobat software is so easy to get started with, it's scary. Install the software and then you just "click" on the embedded Acrobat icon in a variety of programs (like Microsoft Word etc.), or choose Acrobat PDF as your printer. You can, of course do much more (described below), but to do the basics is very easy.

Cost - $$$1/2

You get what you pay for. Adobe's software is feature and function rich, and though you'll pay for those features and functions, you can be assured that the software has all the capabilities you'll ever need (until the next upgrade of course!). Adobe Acrobat is considered one of the "benchmark" in document "interoperability". (We at Home Office Reports use Acrobat Professional extensively!).

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
Acrobat Standard 8.0	$299.00 $99.00 upgrade	Windows 2000, XP Macintosh OS X 10.4.3	Convert Any Document to PDF (Acrobat format)	Create PDF file from any document, scan, web site. Convert and combine proposals, presentations, images and other documents into one compact PDF file adding headers, footers and watermarks Review-management and commenting tools Password protection restricts document access Digital signature support Convert Microsoft Outlook email into PDF Attach source files such as spreadsheets and images to PDF documents Save in Microsoft Word
Acrobat Professional 8.0	$449.00 $159.00 upgrade	Windows 2000, XP Macintosh OS X 10.4.3	Convert Any Document to PDF (Acrobat format)	Create PDF file from any document, scan, web site Convert and combine proposals, presentations, images and other documents into one compact PDF file. Preserve layers in PDF files created from AutoCAD and Microsoft Visio and create files in large-format sizes including ARCH, ISO, HS, and ANSI. Document reviews supported Create searchable archives Built-in pre-flighting tools for print production Comment support for Adobe Acrobat Reader users LiveCycle Designer included to create PDF forms that look like paper forms - include business logic including calculations and data validation Organize PDF documents into collections Attach source documents including spreadsheets, multimedia files, images as PDF document Combine multiple files into PDF package Auto-recognize form fields Shared reviews Enable Acrobat Reader users to fill and save electronic forms offline and digitally sign documents Permanently remove sensitive information Archive Microsoft Outlook email in PDF Archive Lotus Notes email in PDF Save in Microsoft Word Convert AutoCAD drawing files into PDF
Acrobat Capture 3.0	$250.00, upgrade $99.00	Windows NT 4.0 or later	Capture from Scanner to PDF	Character, font and page recognition Foreign language and legal, scientific, medical, user-defined dictionaries Create document-processing workflows Track processing status Define areas of scanned pages to be treated as images, text or keywords QuickFix tool for correction of suspect OCR text Automatically create tables of contents, cross-references, indexes
Adobe PDF Online	$9.99 per month $99.99 per year	Windows 98SE, NT 4.0 (service pack 6), 2000 (service pack 2), XP Macintosh OS X 10.2.2	Create PDF Online	Create tagged PDF documents online 100 pages per file 15 minute maximum conversion time
Adobe Acrobat 3D	$995.00, upgrade from 6.0 Professional $699.00, upgrade from 7.0 Professional $545.00	Windows 2000, XP Supported platforms for Acrobat 3D Capture Utility - Sun Solaris 2.8: UltraSPARC processor, IBM AIX 5.2: POWER4 or POWERPC 604e processor, HP-UX 11.0: PA-RISC 2.0 processor, SGI IRIX 6.5: RISC 4000	Create PDF	Use 3D interactive content to highlight design flaws Create PDF files by converting 3D designs from major CAD applications Capture 3D designs from CAD application in one step Communicate design intent of 3D product information with multiple cross sections and exploded-view animations Insert 3D CAD designs into existing and new Microsoft Office documents Add JavaScript to any Adobe PDF file that contains 3D designs Allow team members to rotate and interact with objects and to measure parts and dimensions Add materials, create animations, edit lighting, save as 3D object or 2D raster/vector image Track feedback Place comments and markups on interactive 3D designs Restrict access to documents Digitally sign design modification and approval documents Set permissions for printing, copying and changing
Adobe Acrobat Elements	Contact Vendor	Windows 2000, XP	Create PDF	Create PDF files with drag-and-drop from Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Convert any document that prints to an Adobe PDF file Apply permissions for viewing, editing, commenting, signing or printing Apply passwords and 128-bit encryption
Document Center	Contact Vendor	Windows XP, Macintosh OS X 10.4 or later	Document Control Software	Control access to documents Verified email authentication Control of document - wherever it goes PDF, Microsoft Word, and Excel support Document tracking - audit to know actions taken, by whom, with time and date stamps; statistics shows aggregate document actions Integrates with Acrobat 8 Outlook plug-in available	Acrobat 8, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Acrobat is a real time saver. We like the fact that you can "Acrobatize" a document and stop others from editing it or changing it.

Ease of Use - @@@@

As we've stated before, using Acrobat is a "snap".

Works With - YYYY

All of the Adobe software is designed for both Windows and Macintosh environments - an Adobe tradition.

Support - pppp

The Adobe support site is comprehensive and well designed. Adobe offers a multitude of training classes to help you get started and improve your utilization of their software. Additionally, Adobe provides a forum for users and experts to discuss problems, solutions and even interesting new ways to use the software to solve business problems. If you need more help, Adobe offers phone support plans - $39.00 per incident or $159.00 for unlimited support for one year.

Features - iiii1/2

Acrobat is the "standard" for document interchange. A slick new feature we like in Professional is its ability to archive email from Outlook and Lotus notes as well as auto-recognize form fields. We also like the ability to capture a web page "screenshot" as an Acrobat document. Good stuff.

Overall Rating - %%%%

If you produce documents of any kind, we strongly advise you to purchase Acrobat. Standard for most users, Professional for technical and "power" users. It's a good investment. And if you can't fork out $449.00 right now, sign-up for Acrobat on-line. $10/month services will only prove to you that you want and need the software on your desktop!

ARTS PDF

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

ARTS PDF's software is straight forward to set up for use.

Cost - $$$1/2

ARTS PDF makes a number of software solutions designed to create and manage PDF documents. Pricing is detailed in the table below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
Aerialist	$379.00	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	PDF Creation	Converting, merging, splitting - split by page, page range, bookmark, page mark while retaining cross-document linking Headers, footers, watermarks, bates numbering - insert permanent text, numbers and images Automatic bookmark generation Audit bookmarks and links - check and report on bookmarks and links across pages, between documents and to web pages Batch process and sequence tasks - combine splitting merging, stamping, bookmarking, linking and other tasks into one sequence.	DOC, PDF, XLS, EPS
Aerilaist Professional	$699.00	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	PDF Creation	Watched folder processing engine - automate workflow with multiple watched folders, setup batch se3quences to process all files that are placed into folders watched by Aerialist Professional Automatic keyword linking - turn every occurrence of a word or phrase in a PDF into a hyperlink Automatic page linking - generate links to any page number, select a section of a page or document and add links from all numbers to the corresponding page in the document Table-of-Contents generation - build hyperlinked tables of contents for documents or collections of documents, working form document metadata, heading styles, bookmarks Layers - create, insert, edit and control layers Image editing - edit and fix images across PDF document collections, control of color space, sampling, resolution, size, location, orientation and appearance Converting, merging, splitting - split by page, page range, bookmark, page mark while retaining cross-document linking Headers, footers, watermarks, bates numbering - insert permanent text, numbers and images Automatic bookmark generation Audit bookmarks and links - check and report on bookmarks and links across pages, between documents and to web pages Batch process and sequence tasks - combine splitting merging, stamping, bookmarking, linking and other tasks into one sequence	DOC, PDF, XLS, EPS
Split & Merge Lite 2.2	$149.00	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	Plug-in for Adobe Acrobat	Split while retaining bookmarks and links Merge from control file Split into n pages Split by page marks Split by page ranges Split by bookmarks Merge files Batch process	DOC, PDF, XLS, EPS
Variform Lite	$199.00	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	Plug-in for Adobe Acrobat	Merges variable data with Acrobat forms Uses text delimited data files from spreadsheets, PC databases or mainframe queries Merge data using any PostScript compatible font including bar code fonts Record and page-range selection Variable data demand printing Save to single or multiple PDF's (via Acrobat Distiller) Export Acrobat form field names Hot folders to automate repetitive form tasks
Variform Plus	$349.00	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	Plug-in for Adobe Acrobat	Use data from any Windows ODBC database, Adobe FDF XFDF files or delimited text files Output to any installed Windows printer or merge to new PDF file Merged image support Flatten pages after merging "Hot folders" automation IAC for programmatic control of Variform Plus
PDF Workshop	Free Plug-In for other Nitro Products	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	Plug-in for Nitro PDF	Excel macros to retrieve, manipulate and print PDF information Configure multiple PDF file security Set multiple the initial view of multiple PDFs Refresh spreadsheet information	Microsoft Excel
Nitro PDF Professional	$89.10	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	PDF Creation	Create PDF files with one click from Microsoft Office applications or by converting from over 200 file types with bundled Print-to-PDF driver Create and edit compilation PDFs - add, remove and shuffle pages or insert pages from other PDFs Convert to Microsoft Word Edit PDF text and images Apply stamps and watermarks to single or multiple pages Add page numbers, data stamps and Bates numbers to PDF files Insert and modify PDF navigational and interactive features - links, bookmarks, buttons, hyperlinks, JavaScript Add feed back with sticky notes, highlighters, underlines, free-hand drawings Comments Panel automatically organizes feedback providing ability to sort it by contributor, comment type, page, date submitted and color Password-based PDF security encrypts contents using DES or AES algorithms Set permissions for document viewing, printing, editing, and copying Security certificates for digital signing
Print Suite Plus/Pro	Plus - $899.00, Pro - $1,599.00	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	PDF Creation	Plus includes: Crackerjack, Stamper, Enfocus PitStop Professional Pro includes: Crackerjack, Stamper, PitStop Professional, Quite Imposing Plus Crackerjack - preview color separations, automate with hot folders, control print output, tune position, scaling, separations Stamper - insert PDF, text and image stamps, watermarks and overlays Enfocus PitStop Professional - preflight, edit and auto-correct PDF files Quite Imposing Plus - make books, booklets and other arrangements
Crackerjack	$495.00	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	PDF Print Control	Impose PDFs - choose step and repeat, N-up, 2-up or 4-up to create imposed PDFs, control sheet size, margins, gutters and printers, trim and registration marks, control creep and bleed Edit images in Acrobat - fix color spaces, sampling, resolution, size, OPI, edit one or more images, make adjustments to all images across a collection of PDF documents Convert Color - convert RGB or CMYK text and graphics to spot colors Works with Enfocus Certified PDF Automate print production - drag and drop PDFs into Hot Folders to automate workflow Control - adjust for binding and other late-stage positioning needs, tune dot gain, scaling, separations, screening
ImageWorks	Included in Aerialist Pro	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	PDF Document Control	Hot folder automation ICC profiles for color conversion Photoshop filters for special effects Support for more file formats using Photoshop format plug-ins Image editor - cut, copy, paste, erase, crop, pick up and apply color, create repair OPI links, control image in the PDF o on the OPI server ImageWorks Tools - cut, copy, paste, new, resize, rotate, extract, replace, color space conversion, downsample subsample, send to back bring to front, mirror, brightness contrast, color adjust, despeckle Automation - color conversion, sampling, despeckle functions can be applied to multiple images Enfocus Certified PDF support
Stratify	Included in Aerialist Pro	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	PDF Document Control	Create and edit layers in Acrobat - select any text or graphics on a page and make them a layer, edit new and existing layers Create layered PDFs from any applications - Microsoft Word, Quark XPress, Corel Designer, FreeHand Proof different document versions - group related graphics, text, barcodes, pricing into individual layers, turn layers on and off to proof, preview, review and print Construct layered PDFs from individual pages Control layer display - zoom levels for layer display
PDF Stamper 3.0	$149.00	Windows 98SE, NT, ME, 2000, XP Macintosh OS 9.2.2 or later	PDF Water-marking Plug-In for Adobe Acrobat	Batch process Apply multiple stamps - Bates numbering, multi-line text stamps, line spacing, solid, outline and invisible text, underline, 14 fonts Preview and undo Insert dynamic text - page numbers, batch page number batch total pages, Bates Number, Bates Total Pages, file name, file path, date, month, year, hour minute, second, title, subject, author, keywords Stamp profiles Quick start profiles Stamp graphics - PDF, EPS, JPG, JPG2000, BMP, PNG, TIFF Action stamps - WWW link, go to page, to go remote page, rad an article, execute a menu item, set layer visibility, show/hide field, submit a form, reset a form, import data, run a JavaScript, play a media, play a sound, go to snapshot view Page ranges Rotate stamps Apply border Create customized color or use predefined color Specifiy location of stamp Overlay/underlay Opacity

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

A ton of capabilities that can make PDF creation, printing and editing much faster and easier.

Ease of Use - @@@@

ARTS PDF offers tools that range from very simple to use to much more complex (like manipulating scaling, separations and screening). The software is straight forward to use - based on your experience level.

Works With - YYY

ARTS PDF's software is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp1/2+

The tech support area of the ARTS PDF web site includes a user forum where you can discuss issues with other users, installation guides, a FAQ and software downloads. If you need more help, you can contact ARTS PDF via email and fax or by telephone (no "800" number, you'll pay toll charges where they apply) from 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific. Maintenance contracts for better support are available and are priced at 20% of purchase price per year (software that is priced at $99.00 would have a $19.80 annual maintenance fee).

Features - iiii

A number of utilities and tools for business owners for whom managing, editing and manipulating PDF files is core to their business. Create and add layers, manage printing, control distribution, automate tasks, convert to Microsoft Word - or just do basic PDF creation. ARTS PDF has a number of products (and prices) for managing PDF documents and related tasks.

Overall Rating - %%%%

A number of tools and capabilities for folks that use PDF files all or most of the time. If that's you, more than worth a look.

Broderbund

$15 OFF Purchase of $49 or more! Save on all items at Broderbund.com, plus FREE shipping!

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Broderbund's IMSI PDF to Word products are simple to download and install on your system.

Cost - $$$$

Pricing for Broderbund products is outlined in the table below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
IMSI PDF to Word v3	$49.95	Windows 2000, XP	PDF Conversion Software	Use as standalone converter tool or as plug-in for Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Batch process files with command-line interface Various conversion types - flowing, continuous, plain text, exact translation, image Convert entire PDF file at once or specific pages Matches PDF fonts to Microsoft Windows installed fonts Re-flows content from column to column and page to page Extract tables from PDF files directly into Excel spreadsheets or Word documents Preserve vector graphics as embedded editable vector objects Access through Explorer's right-click local menu Create PDF in one click Optimize file size	Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat
IMSI PDF to Word Pro v3	$99.95	Windows 2000, XP	PDF Conversion Software	Use as standalone converter tool or as plug-in for Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Batch process files with command-line interface Various conversion types - flowing, continuous, plain text, exact translation, image Convert entire PDF file at once or specific pages Matches PDF fonts to Microsoft Windows installed fonts Re-flows content from column to column and page to page Extract tables from PDF files directly into Excel spreadsheets or Word documents Preserve vector graphics as embedded editable vector objects Access through Explorer's right-click local menu Create PDF in one click Optimize file size Create PDFs from any Windows application with one click	Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you need to convert PDF files to Word for editing or re-working valuable, time-saving tools.

Ease of Use - @@@@

A variety of ways to use them - as a plug-in, or stand alone.

Works With - YYY

Broderbund's products are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pp1/2

When you purchase inexpensive software you shouldn't expect much in the way of technical support. Broderbund's implementation is a great example of this methodology. If you need help - the web is your only option. And, when we went there and attempted to find help for a couple of the software packages, one of them wasn't even listed! You'd better hope that the software works on your system, or you've just thrown your money away.

Features - iii1/2

Useful tools for converting PDF files to Microsoft Word. Includes the ability to convert entire documents or parts thereof in flowing, continuous, plain text, exact translation or image formats.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Useful tools for those who need to "reverse" the Acrobat process and convert PDF files back to Microsoft Word.

Cosmi

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Cosmi's Perfect PDF Creator is simple to install and ready for use on your system.

Cost - $$$$

Perfect PDF Creator is priced at $19.99.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
Perfect PDF Creator	$19.99	Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP	PDF Conversion Software	Converts files to PDF format Embed images, fonts, links and text Change page order, delete pages, create bookmarks and links Password protection

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you need to convert documents to PDF for distribution via the web or email a useful tool.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Simple, straight forward to use. AltText

Works With - YYY

Perfect PDF Creator is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp

Cosmi's tech support area on their web site includes a FAQ, manuals and software downloads. We were unable to find the package listed above on the FAQ. We guess they never have problems with this software! Telephone support is available Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM Pacific and Fridays 8:30 AM to 12 PM. There is no toll free number, so you are responsible for all long distance charges. Email support is also available.

Features - iii1/2

Basic PDF conversion tool with password protection.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

An inexpensive way to convert files to PDF format.

DocSmartz

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

DocSmartz applications are simple to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

Pricing for DocSmartz products is available in the table below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility

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