Abu Zar Mishwani
Adobe recently introduced new AI features for its Acrobat web client and desktop application.
These features include an AI Assistant designed to assist users in managing and analyzing large PDF files efficiently.
This assistant can perform various tasks, making it easier for users to comprehend and work with large documents.
A standout feature of the update is its ability to summarize files, presenting the information in a neatly formatted and easily digestible text block.
While this feature is currently in beta testing, Adobe has announced plans to roll it out to Acrobat customers through an add-on subscription plan in the near future.
Additionally, the AI features will soon be integrated into the Reader app as well, expanding its accessibility to a wider user base.
Adobe revealed these AI features through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), accompanied by a brief video demonstration highlighting the generative summary feature.
In the video, viewers could observe an AI Assistant button prominently positioned in the top right corner of the Adobe Acrobat interface, next to the share option.
Upon clicking the AI Assistant button, a pop-up window appears featuring four different options arranged in a side panel.
These options are represented by icons and include generative summary, chat, bookmark, and menu options.
The Generative Summary feature functions exactly as its name implies. It is capable of condensing large files, including PDFs, Word documents, Powerpoint presentations, meeting transcripts, and more, into concise summaries.
Below the summary, users will find separate topics presented in collapsible windows, allowing them to expand and explore specific details as needed.
Additionally, users have the option to copy the text, provide feedback with a thumbs up or thumbs down rating, and report any inaccuracies in the generative content.
In addition to generating summaries, the AI Assistant offers several other useful functionalities.
It can add citations to ensure users can verify the source of the information provided.
It also includes clickable links within the document, facilitating navigation in lengthy documents by directing users to relevant sections.
Furthermore, users have the option to view the information in a formatted output, enhancing readability and comprehension.
Users can also ask the AI questions pertaining to the content of the file, and the chatbot will promptly provide answers to these queries.
Adobe emphasizes the importance of data security, stating, “AI Assistant features in Reader and Acrobat are governed by data security protocols and no customer document content is stored or used for training AI Assistant without their consent.”
As of now, the new AI Assistant features are accessible in beta for Acrobat Standard and Pro customers, as well as Teams subscription plans, on both desktop and web platforms, specifically in English.
The company has announced that the feature will soon be extended to Reader desktop customers in the following weeks.
Once the feature transitions out of beta testing, Reader and Acrobat users will need to subscribe to a new add-on subscription plan to continue accessing these features.