Able2Extract Professional vs. Adobe Acrobat Reader

Able2Extract is extremely helpful if you have a PDF with text that you want to manipulate. By converting it into another file format that is more conducive to text, you can correct spelling mistakes, copy paragraphs, and remove them or relocate them. Since I had to take spreadsheets and text from a PDF and insert them into a Word document, Able2Extract Professional was the exact tool I needed to avoid simply taking screenshots.

Incentivized

After creating a document, converting it into Adobe Acrobat Reader is usually very easy for storage in my computer, sending/sharing via emails, etc. This also saves a significant amount of unnecessary printing and paper waste, which is great for reducing waste. I don't have to worry about not having the right software/app to view, edit, and share with anyone.

Incentivized

• Creates editable spreadsheets from Excel documents that have been scanned.
• Allows certain segments of documents to be selected for editing.
• Allows bulk conversion.

Incentivized

• Edit PDFs. One of the biggest challenges faced in document heavy workflows is editing a PDF. Adobe Reader DC does a fantastic job of allowing you to edit pdfs on the fly without having to go back to the original form and reconverting it.
• Sign PDFs. I spend a lot of time signing contracts and approval forms. Adobe Reader DC allows me to do that quickly without having to use my mouse or another third party platform. I can do all I need right in the Adobe Reader DC workflow.
• Merge PDFs. I find quite often that I need to put two or more documents together in one form. I can do that with just a few clicks in the Adobe Reader DC merge workflow.

Incentivized

• GUI can always improve, even if it's currently good
• Better how-to instructions to address initial learning curve
• Functionality could be inserted into Adobe Acrobat Pro, potentially merging products

Incentivized

• Accurately exporting all fields correctly (including UI design) of a PDF into various formats. There tend to be quirks with some exports.
• Choosing the right encryption type. This can get a little tricky.
• Getting picky with Acrobat custom fields when you're trying to do something out-of-the-box (during PDF creation).

To be honest, I do not have any say in the renewal of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. It is managed at an enterprise level, and the decision to renew or not renew is handled well above my pay grade as an external consultant.

Incentivized

Again, Adobe Creative Suite is widely used and backed by an industry leader, making the experience very familiar and common for anyone who has used a PDF and wants more features to interact with it. It also makes copy text a lot easier than just previewing the file.

The application is pretty much "plug and play"

Incentivized

None, except for conversions in Acrobat.

Incentivized

The Word app included with Office 365 offers similar collaboration functionality when compared to Adobe reader but with the option to fully change the original document while reviewing. This is both an advantage and disadvantage when compared with the Adobe reader app. Documents left in the Microsoft Word format also have a tendency to appear different depending on screen size and device used and this can be frustrating for some users. Basically, if you need what you have created and formatted to stay put and to appear as you intended and be printed as you intended if needed, use the Adobe PDF format.

Incentivized

• Able2Extract Professional allows me to compile annual reports without having to seek out creators of supplemental material and ask them to rerun their reports in a different file format
• Our business objective of maintaining consistent branding is achievable through converting PDFs into file formats where we can alter text and swap out logos
• Able2Extract Professional has the speed and ease of use we need to meet our reporting deadlines

Incentivized

• It has had positive impact in that it has save considerable costs vs. investing in cloud-based/subscription based software.
• In terms of security, it also has had a positive impact, in that it doesn't really require IT staff to take the time to patch the software or work on issues with the software.
• It has also had a positive impact in that it has not required formal training for users to be able to use the software.

Incentivized