Choosing the Processing Mode

Select the processing mode depending on

  • the characteristics of a source document and

  • your aim with the converted file

Standard Document

 

Select this if you want to get a fully formatted document for further editing e.g. contracts, letters, articles. This is the most commonly used document type and the default processing mode in PDF Converter Assistant.

You can process all types of documents using Standard mode. If you have a special aim or target for documents of particular types, you can use a different mode.

 

Legal Document

 

Select this to convert legal documents with format retention, but with special processing as follows:

  • line numbers in the left margin – also known as pleading numbers – will be kept or dropped depending on the state of the Retain Pleadings option. If you want to totally reformat a legal document, it is better to drop the original pleading numbers and re-create them later if required.

  • a single or double vertical line on the left side to separate the line numbers from the body text, and a single vertical line on the right side. These are detected and dropped where possible.

  • a single header line on each page, identifying the case, with the date of document filing, etc. These are detected and dropped where possible.

  • the top of the first page usually contains a table-like header specifying the names of the plaintiff and the defendant. This is retained with appropriate formatting.

  • stamps and signs are usually handled as images. You can choose before processing to keep or drop them.

Use Standard mode to avoid the above handling: all elements are converted.

 

Spreadsheet

 

This processing mode concentrates on retaining the original table structures. Select this if

  • your document contains mainly tables or spreadsheets e.g. financial sheets, inventories.

  • the aim of the conversion is to work with the table contents in Microsoft Excel, to edit data, use table data for calculating or making statistics, while the original formatting of non-table text is less important.

There are three options for processing Spreadsheets: Create Sheet Per Table and Create Sheet Per Page or Create Sheet per Document. Your choice also determines how non-table content is handled.  

When you choose ‘per document’ the result depends on your saving choice under Output Options:

If you choose Convert files separately, you will get one sheet per input document.

If you choose Combine output into one file, you will get one sheet per job.

 

Note

If layout retention is important for all elements in the PDF, it is better to choose Standard Document as Processing Mode and Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect as Output Format. In this case the tables in the PDF become editable tables in the target application.

 

Form

 

Form processing retains the page layout, in addition the form controls (checkboxes, edit boxes and horizontal lines) are detected with image processing methods and are reproduced in Microsoft Word as fillable form fields.
 

Select this

  • for converting static PDF files which have form elements but do not contain form controls.

  • if your aim is to generate an editable form in Word format. You can modify labels and add or modify form controls in Microsoft Word, then distribute it for respondents to fill in.

During form processing form controls will be created depending on the state of the Create Form Controls option.

Note

If you have an active PDF form, its active form controls will not be converted. Static elements may be converted.

 

Use Standard mode with forms to receive a normal editable document, to which you can add and activate form controls in the target application.

 

Choosing the Processing Mode