ACROBAT X

Acrobat X ships with the "Create" button as the first item on the toolbar. The Create button includes all the functionality it had in the past and adds the functions that were formerly found on the drop-down menu of the Combine button. In Acrobat X, the Create button offers not only the usual methods of creating a PDF file (from file, scanner, etc.) but also offers the option to combine multiple files into a single PDF or, in Pro, to create a "PDF Portfolio." A PDF Portfolio contains multiple files assembled into an integrated PDF unit, rather than a single PDF file. The files in a PDF Portfolio can be created in different applications. For example, a PDF Portfolio can include word-processing files, spreadsheets, images, and PowerPoint presentations. The original files retain their individual identities but are assembled into one PDF Portfolio file. You can open, read, edit, and format each component file independently of the other component files. But PDF Portfolios are not for everyone; Acrobat Standard and Adobe Reader users cannot create PDF Portfolios or edit the layout, colors, headers, and so on. What if you don't want one big PDF file? Acrobat X allows you to "split" a file based on: (1) number of pages; (2) file size; or (3) top-level bookmarks. If you have a combined PDF file that weighs in at 5.5 MB, and the limit for electronic filing in your jurisdiction is 2 MB, it's easy to split the file into pieces that are under the limit. If opposing counsel or your client delivered a 5,000-page PDF file, it's easy to add bookmarks during the initial review, then split the document based on the marks (bookmark names can be used as the split file names). Acrobat X comes in two varieties: Standard and Pro; Acrobat X Suite would be overkill for most legal professionals. Acrobat Pro and Standard are not to be confused with the Adobe Reader, which continues to be available for free. Reader users are limited to viewing, searching, and printing PDF files. You need a full version of Acrobat (Standard or Professional) to create PDF files, scan paper to PDF, apply security, create forms, and much more. Which Acrobat is right for legal professionals? It depends (a lawyerly answer), but you should consider Pro rather than Standard. It comes down to features. The features that matter to lawyers and that are available only with Acrobat Pro include: