Adobe Acrobat is for creating, editing, and organizing PDF files. PDF is a de facto standard file format for distributing and sharing documents across diverse platforms. Part of the Acrobat family and the main engine for turning PostScript files into PDF documents is Distiller. Additionally, the Adobe Acrobat Reader, is a widely used free program for viewing PDF files online and offline.
Adobe Acrobat 9 is the current version (as of 2010) with Acrobat X on Preorder in October 2010. Adobe Acrobat X comes in Standard and Pro editions as well as a suite with additional applications including Photoshop CS5.
Acrobat X Family:
Acrobat X Editions for Windows:
- Adobe Acrobat X Standard
- Adobe Acrobat X Pro, which includes Adobe LiveCycle Designer ES2
- Adobe Acrobat X Suite (see below for what's included)
- Adobe Reader X
- Adobe Acrobat X Pro
- Adobe Reader X
Adobe LiveCycle Designer ES2 & Reader:
Included with the Pro editions and in the Acrobat X Suite, LiveCycle Designer Enterprise Suite 2 "allows organizations to extend LiveCycle workflows to mobile devices including task approvals, content management, and data capture." Learn more.
While Acrobat X is used for creating PDF files, the Reader (free download) is for viewing and printing PDF files. Use it to share files with anyone who has the Reader. It can also be used for digitally signing PDF files and basic file collaboration.
Adobe Acrobat X Suite:
Available for Windows only, the Acrobat X Suite includes:
- Adobe Acrobat X Pro, which includes Adobe LiveCycle Designer ES2
- Adobe Photoshop CS5
- Adobe Captivate 5
- Adobe Presenter 7
- Adobe Media Encoder CS5
Acrobat X Suite Applications:
In addition to the Acrobat X Pro, here's a brief rundown on the other components of the Acrobat X Suite:
- Photoshop is photo-editing graphics software.
- Captivate is for adding "software demonstrations, interactive simulations, branching scenarios, and quizzes" without programming.
- Presenter is for creating Flash presentations and other multimedia products.
- Media Encoder is for working with audio and video.
Features of Acrobat X Pro:
- Convert or scan to PDF (including HTML to PDF and Email to PDF)
- Export and edit PDF files (including PDF to Word and PDF to Excel)
- Combine files from multiple applications
- Increase productivity and process consistency (Action Wizard, Quick Tools, Version Comparison, and Microsoft Sharepoint integration)
- Streamline online document reviews (review, markup, shared reviews, unified tool pane for markup tools and comments)
- Collect data with fillable PDF forms
- Protect PDF files and documents (PDF passwords, digital signatures, and redaction for security)
- Comply with PDF and accessibility standards (includes ETSI PAdES (PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures) Parts 2, 3, and 4)
- Read, search, and share PDF files
What's Being Said About Acrobat X:
- Acrobat X Opens a New World of Document Collaboration and Innovation (Adobe Blogs; October 18, 2010)
- Adobe Releases Acrobat X: Solves Student Portfolio Challenges (ZDNet Education; October 17, 2010)
- Review 4.5/5: Adobe Acrobat X (PC Magazine; October 18, 2010)
Buying Adobe Acrobat:
Adobe Acrobat 9
- Windows Standard (Buy Direct)
- Windows Pro (Buy Direct)
- Windows Pro Extended (Buy Direct)
Standard and Pro Extended is available for Windows only.
- Mac Pro (Buy Direct)
- Adobe Acrobat 9 - various version (Compare Prices)
Adobe Acrobat X (preorder)
English language version is expected to ship by end of November 2010.
- Acrobat X Standard: Full (Buy Direct) | Upgrade (Buy Direct) (Windows only)
- Acrobat X Pro: Full (Buy Direct) | Upgrade (Buy Direct)
- Acrobat X Pro Student & Teacher Edition: Full (BuyDirect)
- Acrobat X Suite: Full (Buy Direct) | Upgrade (from Acrobat X or 9 Pro or Acrobat 8 or 7 Professional; Acrobat 9 Pro Extended or Acrobat 3D Version 8 or 7; Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS4, or CS3; or Adobe Captivate 5, 4, or 3) (Buy Direct) (Windows only)
