PDF Link 1.08

PDF Link allows you to add, remove, or modify the links that are found in PDF files. The program is a command line utility, designed for professional users. It doesn't come with a user interface, so it'a a bit difficult to use. Considering the cost of this software, I guess the publisher could have made a simple GUI.

When I ran the program for the first time, I was overwhelmed with all the information that was displayed. Even though there's a manual available, the program displays lots of informational messages and usage examples. Several batch files are bundled in the 'examples' folder, providing a good place to start learning how to use the program.

You can change the style of the links from the input PDF file by using switches like 'highlightstyle', 'linethickness', 'linkcolor', and so on. It's possible to set the angle of the link's text (rotate it). Another option you have is setting the page to start and end processing at.

Pluses: You can use extra fonts in the output PDF. The fonts need to be placed in the 'CreateFonts' folder. Next, you should run 'CreateFontMetrics.exe' in order to generate several custom font definition files. These files can be included in the command line options and, as I said, in the output file.

Drawbacks / flaws: Wildcards are not permitted when you specify the input files. However, you can create a list of the files that need to be processed (a text document), and use this list when you run the program.

In conclusion: This program is the best illustration of the fact that you should read the manual before you start using something. PDF Link's manual is not very hard to read, so if you decide to try this software, take a second to read it. Otherwise, it's rather difficult to learn how to use PDF Link.

version reviewed: 1.00