PDF Expert, my go-to app for working with PDF files on my iPad, was updated to add what the developer Readdle is calling construction tools. And while I'm sure that these tools would be useful for contractors and architects, I can see lots of uses for these tools whenever an attorney works with floor plans, schematics, designs, aerial photographs, and many other exhibits. You need to pay for a PDF Expert PRO subscription to get access to these tools ($50/year), but I already considered that a bargain for my law practice for reasons that I have previously described, and now the subscription is even more valuable.
Measurement tools
The first new set of tools are useful for determining rough measurements. Any time that you are working with a drawing that has a scale, PDF Expert can now perform measurements. Start by finding two points in the drawing for which you already know the distance. Perhaps the drawing already tells you in feet and inches the length of a wall or something like that. Or perhaps the drawing has a scale at the bottom. Use the new Calibrate tool to put a point at both ends and then tell the app what that distance represents. And for some images for there is a scale, PDF Expert will intelligently detect the scale.
Once you have set the scale, you can then use the distance tool to measure the distance between any two points. For example, here is a public domain floor plan of the U.S. Capitol, which has a scale at the bottom. Using the measure tool, the app estimates that the diameter of the Great Rotunda is 96" 1.5" — and according to the U.S. Capitol visitor center, the actual diameter is 96" so that is a pretty good guess just based on this image.
You can also calculate the area by selecting three or more points. For example, in the following image, I compare the area of the floor portion of the Senate Chamber to the Hall of the House of Representatives.
Obviously, you cannot count on these measurements to be exact, although I suspect that with high-resolution PDF files that are drawn exactly to scale, you might be able to get pretty close. But I've had many times during litigation when I needed to estimate the length of a wall or the area of a room or a warehouse or a parking lot and this is a tool that help to perform some quick-and-dirty calculations.
Create shapes
PDF Expert already had tools that you could use to create rectangles, circles, lines, and arrows. This update adds many new tools. With the new polygon and polyline tools, you can create countless different shapes with straight edges. You can fill your shapes with colors or hash patterns and you can change the border type and size. And you can even create a cloud shape to draw more attention to an area.
Callout tool
Often, when I'm working with an exhibit, I will want to draw a line to something important and then say something in the margins about what it is or why it is important. This is easy to do with the new callout tool. Just tap a point on the image, keep your finger on the screen as you drag, and then release your finger where you want the callout text to go. The keyboard pops up for you to type something, and then you are done. The process is quick and easy.
And just like any other shape, once you place a callout, you can adjust the color, size, etc.
Conclusion
I've worked on cases where I have spent thousands of dollars on graphics professionals to help me to create demonstrative exhibits. The good ones have lots of tools, experience, and creativity. But often, tools like these in PDF Expert may be all that you need. Take a satellite image, design plan, etc., add some shapes and callouts on it, and then you may have the perfect demonstrative exhibit to get your point across. I love that my PRO subscription is even more valuable thanks to these new features. And if you haven't yet made the jump from the free version of PDF Expert to the PRO subscription version, now you have another reason to consider doing so.
Finally, a couldn't help but notice that in the blog post announcing these new features, Readdle states: "This update is our first step towards creating unique experiences and tools tailored for professional segments like lawyers, teachers, doctors, and more." I look forward to seeing more useful tools in PDF Expert in the future, including tools specifically designed for lawyers.
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