Review: Expert Pdf 5 utility software

The Pdf a very common file format on a computer. It's like a digital page of a book and is thus used manuals, help documentation and other literature supplied in this format.

While Adobe Acrobat Reader is free - one of the biggest reasons for the format’s success - the full version of Adobe Acrobat isn’t, and without it you’ll find that most of the functionality associated with Pdf files is lost.

To create your own Pdfs, edit existing files, or publish and distribute content in this format you’ll either need the full Reader application or something like Expert Pdf 5 from Avanquest.

While not brimming with the kind of features found in more expensive Pdf utility software, it has more than enough for the majority of us and integrates well with other programs.

After installation, it's incorporated into Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel to offer quick access from these applications. This offers the added advantage of being able to integrate Hypertext links and live URL support, which means any clickable web addresses or bookmarks will be retained in the Pdf document. It will also allow you to convert any document you can print into a Pdf file.

The Pdf Creator application offers full control over the conversion process, including adjusting the quality and indexing settings. You can even add your own watermarks, choose which fonts to embed and automatically email finished Pdfs to recipients.

The most powerful part of the software is the Pdf Editor that, like Adobe’s Reader software, will let you edit text and images, shift page elements or collections around, add notes, stamps, highlighting or shapes.

This is all extremely easy to do thanks to an efficient interface layout that provides tool options and settings in front of an instant preview window.

For £40, it offers good value for money considering the tools and features included. However, those looking for basic Pdf creation might still find it a tad expensive.

Vista compatible: Yes