Using pdfaPilot and Preflight in Acrobat Pro parallel
A lot of users want to use the Acrobat Preflight functionality as well as the high number of additional tools from pdfaPilot simultaneously.
This tutorial explains, how this parallel usage of Acrobat Preflight (a development of callas software, which has been integrated by Adobe as a part of Adobe Acrobat Pro since 2003) and callas pdfaPilot works.
Open Acrobat-build-in Preflight
The Preflight functionality in Acrobat Pro can be found using the "Tools" bar for example or with the shortcut "CMD, Shift + X" (in MacOS) or "CTRL, Shift + X" (using Windows).
The Preflight Profiles window
The Profile window lists a number of Profiles, Checks and Fixups. Also a separate "Standards" area gives easy access for conversion of PDF files into PDF-based ISO standards.
Process a PDF
When a PDF is open, a conversion or analysis can be executed on that file.
Using Profiles, which only contain checks and/or validation of standards (and with Checks within the respective group), only the "Analyze" button is active. When a Profile contains Fixups and conversions into a PDF standard (and for single Fixups of course), also kann auch "Analyze and fix" can be used.
Result dialog
After processing, the result is shown and can be reviewed.
A click on the "Profiles" tab within this window allows further processing or analysis.
pdfaPilot as an Acrobat Pro Plug-In
Using the pdfaPilot installer, a Desktop version and a Plug-In for Acrobat Pro will become installed (the latter of of course only if Acrobat Pro is installed on the respective system).
pdfaPilot can be found using the "Plug-Ins" menu or within the "Tools" sidebar.
Using the pdfaPilot Plug-In on Windows
If the pdfaPilot Plug-In is not displayed in Adobe Acrobat Pro after installation, the security settings should be checked. The Plug-In for Acrobat cannot be used in protected mode (sandbox mode). This mode must first be deactivated under "Preferences" > "Security (Enhanced)" (see 2nd screenshot). Then Acrobat must be restarted so that the Plug-In can be used.
Open the pdfaPilot Profiles window
A click on the "pdfaPilot Profiles" entry opens a window with a number of predefined Profiles, Checks and Fixups (as well as ProcessPlans).
You will notice that the Preflight Profile window looks quite similar to the one of pdfaPilot.
The reason for this is quite simple: Adobe uses technology from callas software for the Preflight functionality in Acrobat Pro.
Why using pdfaPilot AND Acrobat Preflight?
There are several functions available in pdfaPilot (Plug-In and Standalone) only, which are not part of Acrobat Preflight:
- ProcessPlans
- Custon reports (based on HTML-Template)
- Several Fixups like:
- Place text
- Place barcode
- Place page number
- Place content (based on HTML-Template)
- Convert colors to n-channel
In general, pdfaPilot has a more frequent update interval than Acrobat Preflight.
Therefore new features, adjustments and fixes are earlier available in callas software products.
Running Preflight and pdfaPilot in parallel
You can use Acrobat Preflight and callas pdfaPilot Plug-In in parallel.
Using pdfaPilot-only features
Using the pdfaPilot Plug-In allows to use pdfaPilot-only features like placing custom content using a Fixup.
For example placing a text, a barcode, numbering pages or a custom content (using a HTML template) as additional content into the PDF.
