Acrobat 4.0 Released with Limited Mac Support

Adobe today announced the release of Acrobat 4.0, which boasts improved collaboration and Web features using Portable Document Format (PDF) formatted files. The new version, in addition to being able to convert any document into a PDF, also creates forms whose data can be returned via the Web. Shared files can be marked up with text-annotation tools and handwritten strokes, as well as sticky notes. As we mentioned in "Adobe Announces InDesign, Acrobat 4.0" in TidBITS 470, Acrobat 4.0 for the Macintosh doesn’t support current Windows-only features such as secure digital signatures, integration with Microsoft Office, and converting Web sites to PDF; these are expected to be available later this year. One welcome addition not mentioned in Adobe’s press materials is that Acrobat finally supports many of Adobe’s long-standing keyboard shortcuts, such as Command-spacebar to activate the Zoom tool. It’s a small touch, but worthwhile for those of us who try to cut down on trips to the mouse. Acrobat 4.0 for Windows or Macintosh costs $249 for the full product, or $99 if you’re upgrading from a previous version. The Acrobat 4.0 Reader, a 3.9 MB download, is available for free.