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Type on PDF and Type on PDF Pro run on the iPhone as well as theiPad, and the iPhone/iPod touch versions provide all of thefunctionality as the iPad versions. But as expected, it is awkwardto use the apps on iOS devices with smaller screens, simply becauseof the limited screen real estate. For that reason, it makes senseto pay more attention to the experience of using Type on PDF on theiPad, while simply acknowledging that being able to use the apps onthe iPhone is handy, and also that they function very well on thatplatform. Both of the apps have many of the same capabilities, which will bediscussed first; later in the review, some of the tasks onlysupported in the Pro version will be highlighted. Pen Pals: Options in Type on PDF s Pen Mode include only fourdifferent colors and a single width, which is visible in thesignature to the right of the options. Also included is asingle-width, single-color (blue) highlighter and an eraser. Theoptions are identical in the Pro version. Both Type on PDF and its Pro version have significant shortcomings,and two are apparent immediately upon launching the apps: Neitherone allows you to directly import files from cloud sharing servicessuch as Dropbox, Box.net, and Google Docs. The only way to use analready existing file in the apps is to go to another app GoodReader , for example select the file you want to use in Type on PDF, andselect the Open In option from that app s menu. Often (butnot always), Type on PDF will be one of the apps listed, and youselect it and the document appears in your Type on PDF library.Similarly, you can only export a Type on PDF file via email or byopening it in another app you cannot save it directly to Dropboxor another site. Once your document is in Type on PDF, annotation options arelimited, compared to other PDF reading and notation apps for theiPad, both free and paid. Freehand annotation tools are limited topens of four different colors and a blue highlighter. Neither thepens nor the highlighter are of adjustable width. TypewriterMode, which enables you to insert typed comments in the document,provides users with one black serif font; you can adjust type size,but not style no italics, bold, or underlining, for example. Andwhile you can create a new PDF based on an image inserted from yourphoto library or clipboard, the only way to import a PDF from theWeb is by finding and copying the URL of a PDF file from yourbrowser (and the URL must end in .pdf ), going back to Type toPDF, and then selecting New from the files menu and choosing tocreate a new document from the clipboard link. In other words, just getting going with the app is an awkwardprocess, and needlessly so. Number Cruncher: Type on PDF Pro enables users to createcustomized, programmable fields, similar to ones that can becreated in Excel. In this example, an invoice form multiplies thenumber of each item purchased by the price of the item, andcalculates a total cost. While these drawbacks are not minor, many users, particularlybusinesses, may find both Type on PDF and Type on PDF Pro useful,and that is because both enable you to create form templates. ThePro version enables you to place limits on the type of data thatcan be entered into each field (text, numbers, symbols, etc.), andenables you to create Excel-like formulas that can automaticallyperform calculations. With the Pro version, entered data can besent directly to a server. With both versions, the completed,filled-in PDF can be emailed or opened in other iOS apps that canread or accept PDF files. This means that it is possible to exportdocuments to Dropbox if you have the Dropbox app installed. For users who are looking for an app which allows them to read andannotate PDFs and fill in forms but not much else, both versions ofType on PDF lack many easy-to-use tools and features available inmany other iOS apps designed for the same purpose, while addingcomplexity. But each version has capabilities that can serve businesses well.They are also appropriate for businesses simply because of the timeit takes to set up forms and form fields properly. The Pro versioncan be especially complex and time-consuming if difficult formulasare necessary, and connecting to a server is potentially atime-consuming task as well. One final note: Tipirneni Software does provide a Field Options Guide, in PDF format, for the Proversion. However, the rest of the documentation consists of an18-minute demo video for Type on PDF, and a 68-minute demo videofor the Pro version. No other documentation is available. The demo videos may have been the easiest way for the developer toexplain the app, and they are useful. But they also havesignificant drawbacks. Unlike text documentation, the videos arenot searchable. Unlike text documentation, it is difficult, atbest, to highlight sections that are especially important and/orcomplex, for easy review and retrieval. While app demo videos areincreasingly common, and often suffice for simple apps, video is apoor substitute for text when apps are more complex. [ Jeff Merron is a freelance writer and editor living in NorthCarolina. ]. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as China Portable USB Hubs , USB Desk Fan, and more. For more , please visit Hands Free Bluetooth Speaker today!
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