pdf editing

manulekamanuleka
edited May 2007 in Science & Tech
i was just wondering if anyone can get me in the right direction of editing a pdf file! this file is a brochure for my friends company and he was wondering if i can do some editing and redesigning on it!

what is a recommendation on a pdf editor and does these editors do redesigning or picture insertions and stuff? can i design this on other programs like photoshop or fireworks and convert it to a pdf file?

cheers guys

Comments

  • kryystkryyst Ontario, Canada
    edited May 2007
    There are a couple ways to tackle it. The first and most direct is to get a pdf editor adobe acrobat (not acrobat reader) is the most direct, though expensive approach. It will allow you to open up the pdf and manipulate it. Another option is to get Foxit's reader/editor software. Again the reader is free but the editor will run you $99 and up depending on the feature set you want.

    The other option is to use Microsoft Word with a pdf writer like pdf995 or OpenOffice (has built in print to pdf capabilities) or any other page layout software. Then, assuming the pdf isn't locked you can copy and paste the text and graphic elements to a blank document and redesign it.

    Which way you go depends on what tools you have or are willing to get and how much time you want to put into the project. Editing the PDF directly is much quicker. However if you are doing massive layout changes it may just be as simple to start from scratch.
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited May 2007
    It depends on what you mean by "edit" it. To truly edit a PDF file you need a few things:

    1) Adobe Illustrator
    2) Adobe Acrobat Professional
    3) Enfocus PitStop Professional

    That's not a cheap package. Acrobat Pro alone will not let you do anything but the most basic edits (like text changes). You'll still need the fonts that were used to create the brochure. Chances are you'd be better off trying to get the original files (I can almost guarantee it was made in either QuarkXPress or Adobe Indesign), and then you'll need the support files like the artwork and fonts.

    This is what I do for a living - trust me, editing a PDF is a last resort and it still usually always sucks and doesn't make the customer happy.
  • QCHQCH Ancient Guru Chicago Area - USA Icrontian
    edited May 2007
    Prime is correct... editing is a pain. If you just needed to change some text, there are a ton of ways to do that. Redesign the entire pdf, start from scratch or grab the original non-pdf document.
  • manulekamanuleka
    edited May 2007
    thanks guys! i think i'll have to rethink this pdf editing hehehe.. didn't know it would be that much of a hassle...

    my main aim was to edit texts and replace images, so i suppose starting from scratch will be my best opt...

    i'll update you guys with my progress, if i'll be doing it in the end hehe
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