Adobe Acrobat Web Update: Edit PDFs Online - Text & Images

Adobe Expands Web-Based Acrobat Capabilities

Traditionally, Acrobat served as Adobe’s primary desktop application for PDF manipulation, particularly for editing. Recently, a web-based version of Acrobat was introduced, though it initially lacked the full functionality of its desktop counterpart. A frequently requested feature – the ability to edit text and images directly within PDFs – was previously exclusive to the desktop application.

This is now changing with Adobe’s latest update to Acrobat on the web. The company is now offering this editing capability within its online service.

Strategic Importance of Web Access

“Acrobat Web is critically important to our strategy,” explained Todd Gerber, Adobe’s VP for Document Cloud. “An increasing number of users begin their work within a browser environment.”

He further stated that many users start their day accessing platforms like G Suite or Microsoft Office 365, and Adobe aims to be present in all the locations where people conduct their work.

The initial launch focused on PDF creation and conversion. However, Gerber emphasized that achieving performant, real-time PDF editing required significant development effort.

“We could have implemented it sooner, but the result wouldn’t have met our standards for speed, responsiveness, and quality.” He specifically highlighted font handling as a major challenge in bringing this functionality online.

Challenges of an Open Standard

Gerber also pointed out that while PDF is often associated with Adobe, it is, in fact, an open standard. Numerous third-party tools are capable of creating PDFs.

This broad ecosystem, with potential variations in implementation, presents additional complexities when offering robust editing features.

New Browser-Based Features

Alongside the launch of PDF editing, Adobe is introducing several other browser-based features.

• Protecting PDFs
• Splitting PDFs into separate documents
• Merging multiple PDFs into a single file

Furthermore, building on a collaboration with Google last year that introduced Acrobat shortcuts using the .new domain, Adobe is now launching additional shortcuts, such as PDF.new.

The company intends to release more of these shortcuts throughout the coming year.

Shortcut Usage and Audience Expansion

Adobe reports approximately 10 million clicks on its existing shortcuts, demonstrating the high demand for PDF conversion and signing tools.

Gerber noted that many potential users don’t immediately consider Acrobat when seeking solutions. Instead, they focus on specific tasks like PDF compression or conversion.

Acrobat Web and the .new domains are designed to attract a new audience to the platform.

“It’s opening up a new customer base that didn’t initially think of Adobe. They focus on PDFs and the actions they need to perform,” Gerber explained.

“This allows us to broaden our customer reach by being relevant in the context of their search and transaction processes. Our development of Acrobat Web actually began with the idea of targeting non-branded searches.”

Driving Users to the Right Platform

Adobe directs all branded searches – where users specifically seek out Acrobat – to the desktop application.

However, for more casual users, the company guides them to Acrobat Web, enabling them to complete their desired task without requiring account registration.