Able2Extract review
An easy-to-use automatic content converter, Able2Extract offers a few advanced features, but produces less-than-perfect end results and suffers from format compatibility quirks.
Pros
Easy to use: Able2Extract is very straightforward, thanks to its 3-step workflow -- select the document you want to convert, select the section you want converted, and then choose the desired output format. If you're new to the app, handy tooltips will guide you every step of the way.
Multiple output formats supported: Whether it's a straightforward PDF-to-Word conversion or one involving more obscure formats like AutoCAD, OpenOffice, or Publisher, the software has you covered.
Batch conversion: If you have several documents that you need converted in the same manner, you can have them processed with just a few clicks, thanks to the speedy built-in batch converter. The conversion speed is also nice -- a page per second on a Core i5 machine.
Cons
Limited number of input formats: The app can only process TXT or PDF files.
Unsatisfactory end results: Ease of use notwithstanding, the converted files leave much to be desired; virtually every conversion we tested had some glitches and weird artifacts splattered across it. Of the two supported input file formats, the TXT documents converted much more smoothly than the PDFs.
Microsoft Office dependency: While testing we discovered that you need Microsoft Office installed on your PC in order to convert files to most Office formats. Without Microsoft Office, attempting a conversion from PDF to Word, for example, will result in an error.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a nice balance between ease of use and end product quality, Able2Extract will fit the bill. While it is in no way a substitute for a real person making a duplicate of a document in a different format, the software gets it mostly right -- perfect for internal drafts where the visuals aren't a top priority.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Able2Extract 9.0.5.
