Compare documents for errors

[Macmann]

Hello all,

Is there a way to compare a file revision to the older version to be sure the only thing that changed is what you meant to change?
We are using Esko version 7.6.1 (yeah I know we need to upgrade). Is there a module we are missing that would add this functionality,
or do we have it and I am not aware of it?

 

[prepressdork]

Although I can't speak for Esko, I believe Acrobat Pro has a compare document feature. Perhaps this would work?

 

[Macmann]

Yes it does and I like it but management is looking for an Esko solution to the issue.

 

[chevalier]

The automationengine viewer has a function that covers this: blink mode, difference mode and side by side modes. EXTREMELY useful. There doesn't appear to be a ticket to do this for you automatically and generate a report but perhaps that is in a module I don't have.

 

[Macmann]

Hi Chevalier,
That sounds exactly like what I am looking for. Could you be more specific as to where I could find this feature? Is it because I'm using BackStage Pilot 7.6 and not Automation Engine?

 

[chevalier]

Probably. See the attached screenshot.



See page 128 in this AE12 (help.esko.com) user guide for more details:

 

[Macmann]

Thanks Chevalier. That's what I was afraid of. I can't wait for our upgrade!

 

[PetePress]

Did you check if you have the "FastVariants - check" task? Even on your 7.6 version this task exist but might be unavailable because of licenses.

 

[Macmann]

Thanks for your reply PetePress. I don't see that feature-license issue?

 

[PrepressDan]

In AE there is a compare PDF's ticket that will create a PDF showing only the differences as well as an xml file with the differences. It pretty much the same as the viewer compare but in a more automated fashion.

The compare PDF's task is part of the "Processor" module.

 

[chevalier]

There is also a "Compare PDF" ticket which is part of Processor Module for AE. It turns out my processor module hadn't started up since a WindowsUpdate reboot and so the ticket wasn't visible.

I remember now why I didn't remember having that (a confusing statement, I know.). ComparePDF behaves like Acrobat compare which in my opinion is crap and useless. There isn't a way to automate what the viewer is doing as far as I can tell which is what is desired. I just reviewed the what's new AE14 literature this morning and there isn't any note of an improvement in this area.