1-Step RoboPDF 3.0 - Feb/Mar '04

1-Step RoboPDF 3.0

RoboPDF Version 3 substantially improves on the previous version of Macromedia’s one-step Portable Docu-ment Format maker. I had no problem downloading and installing it on my test computer (a Gateway with a Pentium 4 processor, 512MB RAM, on Microsoft XP Professional). During the installation process, the installer creates a direct interface with Microsoft Office. After installing it, you will find PDF buttons and menus available on “Office Toolbars.”

RoboPDF lets you create PDF files in four ways: (1) Using the RoboPDF toolbar buttons and menus integrated in Office applications; (2) Dragging-and-dropping files into RoboPDF 3.0; (3) Right-clicking any file icon and selecting the “convert to PDF” option; and (4) Using RoboPDF’s “Open” command to open the file in RoboPDF.

RoboPDF files can retain certain basic information about the subject document for organizational and navigational purposes, including author’s name, date of creation, subject and keywords.

The program facilitates internal navigation within the PDF by creating bookmarks of Office documents.

RoboPDF maintains hyperlinks, including URLs, embedded in-text URLs and linked images. PDF documents placed online maintain their navigational structure. RoboPDF offers PDF Hyperlink support from within Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and supports URL hyperlinks in Microsoft Excel and other documents.

The PDF compression drop-down menu lets you choose from one of three optimized levels, and you can customize your own settings. RoboPDF can create PDF documents with customized PDF security using 40- or 128-bit encryption, two levels of password protection and a variety of selectable PDF permissions.

You can create letterhead or graphics and add them to RoboPDF’s Stationery Library. You also can add a watermark or graphic stamp to your PDF documents.

It also allows you to append several documents into a single PDF file by dragging multiple files into the same open RoboPDF window, one after another, and then creating the PDF file. PDF Organizer will search your hard disk for PDF files and then list them for you, making it easy to locate a document and include it in the PDF file you are creating. Try it at www.robopdf.com, where you can download a free trial copy.

Macromedia Inc.
(800) 459-2356

www.robopdf.com

Price: $79

Windows 98/ME/NT 4.0/2000/XP

Reviewed by Jeffrey Allen, a general practice attorney with an emphasis in real estate, business transactions and litigation based in Oakland, Calif.

Feb/Mar '04 Issue

PROS
More affordable than purchasing a full version of Adobe Acrobat. Installation is easy.

CONS
Fewer features than Adobe Acrobat and more expensive than an Acrobat upgrade.

VERDICT
If you don’t have Acrobat and don’t need a robust PDF maker, then it’s worth trying.