Adobe opened the world to a digital document workflow with its PDF format. PDFs allow you to share a document that is completely independent of software or hardware. For example, it allows Mac and PC users to play nicely together without formatting and technical issues.
Even though PDFs are now a universally-accepted format, it can be confusing to decide which version of Adobe Acrobat is right for you. Below is a quick outline of specific features to help you decide which version is best for your needs.
Adobe offers Acrobat Reader XI free to all users. This version of Acrobat allows you to read files and fill out forms. You cannot create your own PDFs but you can review and interact with other people’s files.
Adobe Acrobat XI Standard allows you to create and send interactive files as PDFs from Microsoft Office applications or web browsers using the Adobe Acrobat task ribbon. The recent version also permits you to:
- Convert to fully editable Microsoft Office Word and Excel files
- Export to a web page
- Modify existing text, images and formatting
- Combine multiple documents, even from different formats, into one PDF
- Allow for commenting and feedback within a document
- Support for integrated digital signatures
Adobe Acrobat XI Pro offers all of the above features along with many robust additions including:
- Optimize for mobile devices as well as the web
- Convert to PowerPoint files and existing templates
- Create sophisticated PDF or web forms in minutes with the included FormsCentral desktop app
- Compare and highlight different document versions from multiple contributors
If you work with clients or your company requires PDF for signature and feedback tracking, Adobe Acrobat XI Pro will be your software version of choice. Of course, your productivity and ROI depends on your knowledge, and Total Training has an extensive course that allows you to get the most out of Adobe Acrobat XI Pro. Check out the sample below. Or get full access to this course as well as thousands of others here.
