Callas Software’s pdfToolbox 6 (normally €499, but just €199 through Dec 12) is a standalone PDF manipulation tool with production-strength features.

The built-in preflighting includes several PDF/X standards, which are based on Ghent PDF Workgroup 1v4 specifications. The application includes controls for replacing and converting fonts to vector outlines, completely embedding fonts, and subsetting, which reduces the size of the final PDF.

Compression methods of images can be manipulated in the existing PDF file using the built-in image recompression tools. Color conversion is also built in, including converting RGB from within Office-created PDFs to printable CMYK and spot color handling.

The latest version adds support for automating actions such as preflighting and imposition by using a PDF profile, color remapping, and the ability to build secure PDFs with password protection.

To get the special €199 price, click here.

Jay Nelson

Jay Nelson is the editorial director of PlanetQuark.com, and the editor and publisher of Design Tools Monthly. He’s also the author of the QuarkXPress 8 and QuarkXPress 7 training titles at Lynda.com, as well as the training videos Quark includes in the box with QuarkXPress 7 . In addition, Jay writes regularly for Macworld and Photoshop User magazines and speaks at industry events.