Adobe introduces Generative AI Assistant that can summarize PDF files for Acrobat and Reader

Adobe announced generative artificial intelligence (AI)-based features for its Acrobat web client and desktop application. The software giant has added an AI Assistant that can multitask and help users easily understand and analyze large PDF files. One notable feature will summarize files and present them in a formatted and easy-to-follow text block. The feature is currently in beta testing, but the company emphasized that it will soon be available to Acrobat customers with an additional subscription plan. The Reader app will also get AI capability soon.

The company announced the AI ​​features in a post of X (formerly known as Twitter), where he demonstrated the generative summary feature in a short video. An AI Assistant button can be seen in the upper right corner of the Adobe Acrobat interface, next to the share option. Clicking the button opens a pop-up window with four different options located in a side panel. These icons include generator summary, chat, bookmark and menu options.

Generative Summary does what the name suggests. It can accept large files (supports PDF files, Word, Powerpoint, meeting transcripts and more) and display a brief summary of the file. Below the summary, individual topics are shared in collapsible windows that users can tap to learn about its details. There is an option to copy the text, thumbs up or thumbs down and report in case the generative content is incorrect.

Other things AI Assistant can do include adding citations so the user can verify the source of the answers, clickable links to help the user navigate to what they need in long document, and the option to view the information in formatted output. Users can also ask the AI ​​specific questions related to the content of the file, and the chatbot will respond to the queries. To protect user data, Adobe said: “AI Assistant features in Reader and Acrobat are governed by data security protocols, and the content of a customer document is not stored or used to train AI Assistant without their consent.”

For now, the new AI Assistant features are available in beta for Acrobat Standard and Pro customers and Teams subscription plans on desktop and web in English, the company said. The feature will also be available to Reader desktop customers in the coming weeks. After the feature exits beta, Reader and Acrobat customers will need to pay for a new additional subscription plan to access the features.