Nuance has released Power PDF 2, an update to its PDF software suite that includes improved document security, enhanced tag editing capabilities, integration of a new “PDF Create” button in Chrome and Firefox, and a new OCR proofreader.

The PowerPDF interface has been updated to a typical Microsoft ribbon style that also supports Windows 10 touch-enabled 2-in-1 convertible laptop devices such as the Microsoft Surface.

The software has a “touch mode” option on its Quick Access Toolbar to optimise the size of toolbars and tool icons so they are easy to press and navigate with a finger.

The new interface includes a “find a tool” search capability that enables users to quickly find any tool or functionality in the application. The enhanced Quick Access Toolbar allows users to create shortcuts to frequently used functions.

Power PDF 2 offers all the tools needed to annotate, mark up, sign, secure, redact and compress PDFs, and create and work with PDF forms. Users can quickly convert files from Word to PDF and from PDF to Word.

Features include:

• Improved document security –Microsoft Active Directory Rights Management Services can be used to lock down confidential documents without passwords and apply customised protection based on predefined enterprise policies for each sender and recipient. Open and work with PDF documents, which were protected with FileOpen DRM, based on granted rights. 
• Enhanced tag editing capabilities and the new reading order editor enables users to modify or redefine the tags of PDF documents and touch up the reading order of document content such as columns, tables and graphics. These tools provide users with the power to create perfectly accessible documents which enables the visually disabled people to read documents and access information using assistive technologies.
• New add-ons for Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2016 enable users to create PDF files with bookmarks and links directly from inside these applications. Integration with Office 2016 provides users with tools to convert emails with attachments into PDF archives.
• The integration of new PDF Create buttons in Chrome and Firefox, allows users to convert web pages into compact PDF files on the fly and through their preferred browsers. This tool preserves original web page links in the PDF files and supports Protected Mode in Internet Explorer.
• The new OCR proofreader tool enhances the accuracy of document searches, by allowing users to see and edit text results of the OCR process directly in the searchable PDF. Suspected word errors are displayed for the user to approve or correct, increasing the accuracy of searches and enhancing the overall value of the document.  
• Connections to cloud storage and document management systems are built directly into the File menu making it easy and fast to open and save PDF files cloud storage services, including Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and Box, with the fewest possible steps. They can also open and save files through the enhanced File menu to document management systems, such as SharePoint, WorkSite, eDocs, NetDocuments and Enterprise Connect.
• New advanced support for dynamic PDF forms enables the software to handle all types of PDF forms available on the web and used by business and government organisations for collecting information. Users can fill out, save and send complex forms, such as those created by Adobe applications.

Nuance Power PDF Advanced 2 is offered for $A225 with volume discounts available. Power PDF Standard 2 for individuals, home offices and small workgroups is offered for $A149.99 and is also available through Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks.

www.nuance.com/powerpdf