Hello Fellow Framers,

I need as many opinions as I can get on several PDF to Word conversion tools.

BACKGROUND INFO

I use Frame 8.0, structured, XP, Acrobat 9.0 (TCS1). I have a huge project, hundreds of documents, plenty of content reuse opportunity, lots of graphics (years of work). Have successfully setup a solid EDD and template that emulates the documentation standard look and feel.

BUT, I am the first and only writer here using Frame; all others use Word. Word has been the expected format when the documents are transitioned out of R&D. The end users get PDFs, but file control wants content in Word for their final say and maintenance going forward.

Project manager and product champion both agree that Frame was and still is the right choice, but we expect to run into strong headwinds upstream. We’re going to push for change, but I have been asked to look at options for a fallback plan. I will continue to author and produce the initial documents in Frame and deliver via PDF, but down the road, we could convert to Word at handoff if we lose the battle.

WHY PDF TO WORD and not FRAME to WORD

I am already exploring the options to convert from Frame to Word (via Frame’s export option and via Mif2Go). I will post separately if I have further questions on that option. Since I have the only Frame license here, I’m concerned about adding an extra process to my plate, if we can somehow shift the work to other resources and still get acceptable results. Cost is also a deciding factor.

I have heard a few things about the following products:

-          NitroPDF

-          PDF Converter Pro (is this the Nuance product?)

-          PDF Converter 6 (is this the same as above or something different?)

-          Solid Converter PDF

-          ABBYY PDF Transformer 3.0 (can’t download a trial?)

I also found these:

-          123 PDF to Word

-          PDF Converter 2009

-          Smart Soft

-          InvestIntech

-          Able2Extract 6.0

So, HANDS DOWN, which ones are the best and which ones should I forget about trying? How much experience does this group have with NitroPDF and ABBYY Transformer 3.0. And are there any Acrobat 9.0 compatibility issues with these tools? Also, we would be converting to Word 2003 for sure, but possibly Word 2007 also.

THANKS IN ADVANCE! J

-- Jasmine Graham