Options to improve PDF-XChange for Touch/ Stylus

[joshsstuff]

First I must say that I love PDF-XChange!
I've been using the free viewer program for my PC, I've compared it with many other PDF annotation programs, I keep coming back to this one!

One reason I've been searching again for a different Windows 8/10 compatible PDF program is the fact that this program is obviously not optimized for Windows Tablets.
On my desktop PC the menu tool layout is great, however when I use my Surface Pro 3 with PDF- XChange I wish there were just a few settings I could adjust to make it Touch and Stylus friendly.

Can you please tell me if adjustments can be made to the settings to help?
For example, the toolbar is typical windows size and layout since windows xp. I realize you are using Windows APIs to create this App, but is there any way that the size of the toolbar buttons could be increased?
(This program seems to be optimized for low resolution displays, My device has a 2K display which makes the small buttons even worse with Windows scaling)

My Surface Pro recognizes the difference between finger touch and Stylus touch, but PDF-XCHange does not.
It would be so awesome if I could keep the stylus as a highlighter while my fingers navigated the page/ zoomed!
(currently you must find the tiny Hand/ Selection tools each time you wish to change function)

I hope the technical limitations are not too great to at least make the toolbars more touch friendly.
Thank You for your hard work on this great Program.

p.s. My co-workers and I have need for these functions, and I would gladly purchase a program with even some of these changes, and recommend it to others, however it does not appear the payed versions are any better.

[Will - Tracker Supp]

Hi Josh,

Thanks for the post - firstly, just a note: there's no different download for the licensed application, nor does the available functionality differ, this is merely determined by the prescence/abscence of a serial key and simply stops the placement of watermarks, when features requiring a license are use.

Regarding stylus support and improving usability on a tablet - this is an ongoing process and, at this time, I'm afraid not a priority. We have a relatively small number of tablet users, so we cannot prioritize usability improvements for users on tablets, given their often fairly complex and lengthy nature.

That being said, given that the number of requests for this has been increasing and I've seen multiple emails/forums posts regarding this, in the last two months alone, I will speak with the Dev. Team further to see if greater emphasis can be placed on this, and/or if we can get some kind of a timeline for major improvements.

Please be warned though, that it's unlikely our stance will change as the best solution is likely going to be for to create an entirely different UI for tablet users, and offer the ability to quickly and easily switch between 'Desktop Mode' and 'Tablet Mode', as well as offering options for features such as you have mentioned: all very time consuming and relatively complicated.

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

[joshsstuff]

Thank you Will!

.. . given that the number of requests for this has been increasing and I've seen multiple emails/forums posts regarding this, in the last two months alone, I will speak with the Dev. Team further to see if greater emphasis can be placed on this, and/or if we can get some kind of a timeline for major improvements.

I'll be eager to hear what your Dev. Team says, please let us know!

For those paying attention: Windows and Apple are moving to a hybrid PC/Tablet platform.
Both have introduced pen input, and are focused on productivity.
Microsoft's bet is Windows 10 that fuels new touch/hybrid devices, this segment is expected to grow faster than traditional PCs.
Additionally there is a great void in powerful/usable productive software.

Regarding stylus support and improving usability on a tablet - this is an ongoing process and, at this time, I'm afraid not a priority. We have a relatively small number of tablet users, so we cannot prioritize usability improvements for users on tablets, given their often fairly complex and lengthy nature.

I'm not suggesting that PDF-X change it's focus with these additions, but I'm sure there are some much simpler adjustments that could accommodate those interested in using the new hybrid devices, and touch enabled devices.

I do not presume to dictate your focus or resource allocation of features.
I would LOVE to have this powerful program in a fully optimized touch and stylus interface! . . .
. . . however I am realistic about my expectations and I believe there is much 'low-hanging fruit' that would require much less effort than an complete interface overhaul.
Some of my ideas are listed below.

Please be warned though, that it's unlikely our stance will change as the best solution is likely going to be for to create an entirely different UI for tablet users, and offer the ability to quickly and easily switch between 'Desktop Mode' and 'Tablet Mode', as well as offering options for features such as you have mentioned: all very time consuming and relatively complicated.

while this would be an awesome app! I have some more realistic additions that could be implemented in the current version. (many are setting options)

e.g.

1) Independent stylus/ touch control (stylus aware input)
- simply limiting touch to navigation through a toggle or permanent setting in the menu would remove the need to find a button every other action.
(however making the buttons easier to use is covered with #2)

2) Toolbar scaling / floating buttons
- I don't know what the windows APIs allow for, but alternately you could also add 'jumbo sized' customizable toggles or settings that mirrored the settings in the tiny menu tool bar (floating perhaps?)
- I can change PC settings to make my whole display larger, in Android OS I've used apps to do this for each app.
(more users will have touch screens than touch/pen so this feature could benefit them also)

3) Shortcut assignable functions
- this is a common feature in many x86 applications, you can assign keys or key combinations to functions, (this also allows functions to be mapped by hardware button shortcuts)

when you ask the Dev team, can you please provide feedback on how feasible these suggestions would be to technically implement?
I would also be willing to volunteer as one of your tablet beta testers.

I'll be using PDF-X in a project I'm working on, I'll likely have more suggestions.
patiently waiting your developers feedback!