Looking under the hood: analyzing the properties of PDF objects with pdfaPilot 6 from callas software

16 Sep 2015

News

Berlin, September 16, 2015 - callas software just released version 6 of their pdfaPilot solution. Part of this new release is the Object Inspector, that allows looking at the properties of the different objects used in the PDF. Also new is the possibility to add GiroCodes to ZUGFeRD compatible invoices, the possibility to convert documents to PDF/A and PDF/X at the same time, and better support for PDF/UA, the ISO format for accessible PDF documents. On top of that the overview pages with the contents of PDF/A-3 documents containing embedded files are now fully adjustable.

callas pdfaPilot is one of the leading solutions for the validation and conversion of PDF documents. For this the software builds on the same PDF/A technology as used by Adobe in Adobe Acrobat.

A so-called “Object Inspector” was added to pdfaPilot Desktop in version 6. The Object Inspector allows selecting any object on the page; so that the object’s main properties, such as colors and fonts used, are immediately visible. This allows manual examination of problematic documents where necessary.


With the new release, suppliers now have the possibility to create ZUGFeRD compliant invoices that contain an optional GiroCode. The GiroCode is a QR-code that contains all relevant data from the invoice (such as receiver, IBAN and BIC code, amounts and purpose). This code can be scanned using a compatible App to automatically process this data and add it to a wire-transfer form. The QR-code is generated by the barcode engine contained in the new pdfaPilot 6.

Also new is the simultaneous conversion of documents to PDF/A and PDF/X. This allows users to generate both a printable and archivable PDF document without additional effort. callas software also improved the support for PDF/UA by integrating pdfGoHTML into pdfaPilot; this makes it possible to visually verify tagging, view document structure and reading order, and verify alternative text for images. pdfGoHTML provides a color-coded diagnostic view perfect for rapid verification of a tagged document. This integration means that both the machine- and human-verification parts for PDF/UA can now be done in pdfaPilot. After a successful check, confirmation of the PDF/UA compliancy can be logged in the PDF document.

Another new feature concerns PDF/A-3 workflows, where multiple files can be embedded into the PDF/A-3 document and where pdfaPilot creates an overview or index page for those embedded files. In pdfaPilot 6, it is now possible to use HTML templates to modify the look of these index pages. This makes it possible to add your company logo but also to more completely control the overall look of the index page and how the different embedded files are represented on it.

Webinars

On October 8 at 4 pm CEST David van Driessche, CTO at Four Pees, will hold an English webinar to introduce you to pdfaPilot 6 and its new features. The webinar is free of charge. You can register via this link.

On October 7 at 10.30 am CEST Marc Heusmann and Dietrich von Seggern from callas software will hold a German webinar. Please register via this link:

Prices and availability

The new version of pdfaPilot is immediately available and free of charge for all existing SMA customers. Please contact your local reseller.
New customers pay 4,499 euros plus tax for callas pdfaPilot Server. It includes a complete hot-folder interface and a command line tool. The server components support multi-processor environments for converting and validating PDF/A files.
The callas pdfaPilot Desktop costs 379 euros plus tax. It processes individual documents or entire folders when using the batch function. As a plugin for Adobe Acrobat, or a fast standalone application, the callas pdfaPilot contains a wide range of useful tools for making documents PDF/A-compatible or adapting them for many other uses. Upgrades from version 5 to 6 cost: € 129; from version 4 to 6 it is € 159.
The pdfaPilot SDK programming library is available for software houses wishing to integrate the pdfaPilot into their own product. Prices are available on request.

About callas software

callas software finds simple ways to handle complex PDF challenges. As a technology innovator, callas software develops and markets PDF technology for publishing, print production, document exchange and document archiving. callas software helps agencies, publishing companies and printers to meet the challenges they face by providing software to preflight, correct and repurpose PDF files for print production and electronic publishing. Businesses and government agencies all over the world rely on callas software’s future-proof, fully PDF/A compliant archiving products.
In addition, callas software technology is available as a programming library (SDK) for developers with a need for PDF optimization, validation and correction. Software vendors such as Adobe®, Kodak®, Quark®, Xerox® and many others have recognized the quality and flexibility provided by these callas tools and have incorporated them into their solutions.
callas software actively supports international standards and has been participating in ISO, CIP4, the European Color Initiative, the PDF/A Competence Center and the Ghent PDF Workgroup. In addition, callas software is a founding member of the PDF/A Competence Center and in October 2010, Olaf Drümmer became its chairman.
callas software is based in Berlin, Germany. For more information, visit the callas software website at: https://www.callassoftware.com.

Press Contact

Four Pees
Daniela Mahlke
E-mail: daniela.mahlke@fourpees.com
Website: https://www.fourpees.com
Phone: +32 9 237 10 00

Back to overview