Adobe Acrobat 7 released here in mid-December

Designers, publishers, ad agencies and print service providers are the primary targets for the latest Adobe iteration of the universal file-making program. Slated for delivery to the Australian and New Zealand markets before Christmas, Acrobat 7 is a major step forward in file delivery and enhancement technology.

Following the web-centric development of Acrobat 6.0, this latest version swings back to addressing the requirements of the professional graphic arts market, facilitating high-end printing, ensuring files comply with the emerging PDF/X standard.

Adobe claims Acrobat 7.0 Professional allows creative professionals to create, control, and deliver secure, high-quality PDFs documents while better enabling the proofing and collaborative processes.

It improves review cycles, enabling reviewers to add comments such as electronic sticky notes using either Adobe Reader or the full version of Acrobat. Using Overprint Preview reviewers can evaluate press ready colours in PDFs.

There are improved pre-flighting features and reports, which can be converted into comments to provide detailed technical feedback to clients on their files. There is the capability to automate the preflight process using droplets.


A good deal of attention has been paid to correcting the most common errors that occur in PDF files. For example you can convert colours to CMYK, fix hairline rules, and flatten live transparency without having to create a new file.

New warnings are incorporated for total ink coverage, rich black detection, and overprints. Using the same Ink Manager found in InDesign CS it is easier to control inks, including remapping spot colours,

Acrobat 7.0 Professional now includes support for the latest versions of the PDF/X standards as well as Job Definition Format (JDF) product definitions, which provide detailed information about your print job.

The local Adobe people are flagging an extensive roadshow around Australia and New Zealand to launch the product in the New Year. Stay tuned for details for when it plays in a venue near you.