Monday, 16 December 2013
Part of the Adobe Acrobat Pro family, Reader comes packed with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of options and configuration settings to meet the requirements of novices and advanced users alike.
Installing the app is a no-brainer and takes little time. With a comfortable window and a well-structured layout, Reader's UI should not present any navigational difficulties to any type of user. Files can be opened using either the file browser or drag-and-drop support.
As far as display settings are concerned, pages may be shown in single or two-page mode, with scrolling activated (automatic or not). Gaps between pages and the cover page in two-page view can be hidden, along with navigation panes, toolbar items, rulers and grids, and the menu bar.
The page orientation can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, Reader enables users to go to the next, previous, first or last page, jump to a particular one, and change the reading order (e.g. left to right and top to bottom).
Apart from a basic search function, Reader integrates an advanced one for verifying the current document or entire drives or directories, including bookmarks, comments and attachments, together with whole words only, case sensitive and stemming mode.
Several functions are dedicated to reviewing documents such as a spellchecker, text-to-speech which may be easily activated, or a feature for tracking all changes in reviews and forms. Selected words can be look up on Dictionary.com.
In matter of document properties, Reader shows details around the description (e.g. author, keyword, PDF producer and version, page size, total webpages, web view optimization), security (e.g. method, permissions revolving printing, content copying, signing, commenting) and fonts, in addition to custom and advanced properties (e.g. base URL, paper source by page size, number of copies).
Adobe Reader includes a few editing tools. For example, files and screenshots can be copied to the Clipboard. Users may analyze content using an object data, measuring, or geospatial tool. It is possible to add text, change its size and line spacing, as well as to select its color and font family. Checkmarks may be inserted too, along with initials and a signature (type, draw, use an image or webcam). Plus, the program implements a feature for requesting signatures from other users using the Adobe EchoSign service.
Annotations may be applied to the document, like sticky notes, text highlights, file attachments, audio recordings, stamps, notes to replace text, strikethrough, underline, or text correction markup. Drawn markups include text boxes, callouts, lines, arrows, ovals, rectangles, clouds, polygons, connected lines, free form, and eraser free form. Undoing and redoing actions is possible.
PDF files can be stored on the Acrobat.com website using an Adobe ID (free), thus providing access from multiple devices and any location. Aside from saving edited documents to new PDFs, they can be exported to TXT or printed.
Program settings are numerous, allowing users to customize each aspect of documents, commenting, full screen mode, page display, 3D and multimedia, forms, identity, JavaScript, and so on. It is possible to disable Adobe messages when launching Reader, manage Adobe ID information, edit identity details, disable enhanced security, activate protection for all files from potentially unsafe locations, alter the measurement unit, and disable automatic updates, among others.
The Good
Adobe Reader offers support for multiple languages, all popular Windows editions (including Windows 8 and 8.1) and both 32-bit and 64-bit architecture types. Keyboard shortcuts are available.
It is fully customizable and contains a bunch of handy reviewing and editing options. The program is backed by complete user documentation online and provides Cloud storage for free.
The Bad
While CPU and RAM usage is generally kept to a minimal level, the application sometimes hangs temporarily, especially when loading features which require online activation.
Many options are just eye-candy (e.g. PDF creation and conversion), since using them is possible only through a paid Adobe activation.
The Truth
All in all, Adobe Reader remains a top-notch application for viewing PDF documents, integrating an intuitive interface for novices, together with advanced options for power users. Those looking for additional functionality may purchase Adobe Acrobat Pro.
