Save2PDF

If you've ever wanted to create a single PDF from a Word file, Excel spreadsheet, or Pages document, or to add a new page to the front or rear of an already created PDF, Save2PDF is the app for you. This $9.99 iPad app (also available for the iPhone and iPod touch) lets mobile professionals select multiple files of different types and merge them into a single PDF file. But that's just the tip of the iceberg—you can also edit, zip, and wirelessly print documents. In short, Save2PDF is a vital tool that should be considered a required download for any iPad business user that frequently uses the PDF format, despite a few niggling problems.

Simple, Efficient Interface
Firing up the app takes you to "Files" where you're presented with a clean interface that shows a list of files in the upper portion, and their actual texts in the bottom portion. Dividing the sections is a menu bar that lets you access network settings, select, open, and delete files, as well as a myriad other options. A second menu bar located at the very bottom of the app lets you launch a Web browser, add images, tweak settings, and more. Overall, the layout is clean, simple, and easy to navigate.

Importing, Exporting, Editing Files
You can import files from within Save2PDF by tapping the "+" icon, or, alternately, you can also import files using other methods. For example, after opening a DOC e-mail attachment in Mail, I was given the option to load it into Save2PDF, which I did. From there I could e-mail it to another, preview it, or save it to the Save2PDF's documents folder. Unfortunately, I was unable to read the document as it was flagged as being invalid. Thankfully, that proved a fluke, as other .DOC, .DOCX, and .TXT files opened without issue.

You can make changes to a file by tapping the "Edit" button in the lower left portion of the screen. A single tap anywhere within the text area blows the file up so that it fills the entire screen; tapping it again returns it to its normal view. You can also shake the iPad to return a document back to normal view, but Save2PDF's definition of shake is a bit too liberal. Simply placing the iPad on a table was enough to make the switch, which may prove frustrating to some. I was glad to find that you can disable this feature.

The Web browser lets you visit a URL and save it as a PDF, but it's more of a screenshot. After I saved the PCMag.com homepage as a PDF and e-mailed it to myself, I could only scroll to view the image—I couldn't click any links.

PDF Creation and Wireless Printing
Tapping the box to the left of a file's name checks it off, and then lets you interact with the PDF and printer icons located in the upper-right portion of the screen. Selecting PDF lets you select paper size (Default, US Letter, A4), create a file name, and select other documents to add to the current document you'd like to PDF. I had no issues selecting a PDF and a TXT file and combining them into a single PDF file.

Print lets you select a printer, print range, the number of copies, and orientation (Default, Landscape, Portrait). You can print using the default wireless printer associated with iOS 4.2, or you can download WePrint server software to a desktop or laptop computer and set up a somewhat complicated system that lets you print by wirelessly connecting to a Mac or PC after inputting server settings into the app. If you have an iPad that isn't running iOS 4.2, then this is your wireless printing option.

Save2PDF or Save Your Money?
Save2PDF is a robust and useful PDF creation and editing tool that will find a home in any user that uses the iPad for business purposes. If you can deal with the minor issues, you'll find Save2PDF an affordably priced, easy to use application.

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