Adobe unveils Acrobat 9 software

Whilst not many casual PC users will have made their own PDF files, you will all have probably read one – they are the file format most companies use for their non-print materials, such as online product catalogues and manuals contained on CDs.

The Adobe Acrobat 9 software is a significant upgrade that aims to transform the process of creating and sharing electronic documents. Acrobat 9 features native support for Adobe Flash technology, the ability to combine a wide range of content in rich PDF Portfolios – for example including text documents, presentations and web sites all in one easy to distribute document – and access to real-time capabilities for reading and working on a PDF document with colleagues, no matter where they are in the world.

By utilising the Flash technology for the first time in an Acrobat release, users are able to include Flash Player compatible video and application files in PDF documents. Recipients simply need the free Adobe Reader 9 software to read the content. PDF documents are now more informative and fun to use than ever before.

Acrobat 9 also includes the ability to include a wide range of content into a single document with the new concept of PDF Portfolios. PDF Portfolios enable business professionals to assemble multiple media types, such as documents, video, audio, and even 3D objects, into one, compressed PDF file. Users can then choose among several professional layouts from templates, or create their own, to combine the content, define navigation, and add polish and branding. As a result, communications such as sales proposals, legal documents, and product collateral can become far more personalised and interesting.

Adobe has also launched the beta version of their storage and sharing web site www.acrobat.com, which allows users to share their documents online with other users, so that colleagues can work together on documents without having to be in the same office. Other services on www.acrobat.com include the web conferencing and remote desktop sharing software Adobe ConnectNow, and Adobe Buzzword, which is a web-based work processor.

For more information on Adobe Acrobat 9, visit www.adobe.com/acrobat.