Interview with the Head of Product Design at PDF Expert

In this interview, we dive into Readdle PDF Expert’s journey with the Head of Product Design. PDF Expert has become a go-to PDF editor for Mac, iPad, iPhone, and now Apple Vision Pro, thanks to its focus on user experience, cross-platform consistency, and powerful yet intuitive features.

We’ll discuss what sets PDF Expert apart in a crowded market, explore how AI and precision tools are shaping the app’s future, and get practical tips for users across all fields—from students to professionals.

TheSweetBits: PDF Expert is available on Mac, iPad, iPhone and Apple Vision Pro. How do you ensure a seamless experience across these different platforms?

PDF Expert team: “It is a top priority for us. We take a holistic approach to product development, which means we look at the entire user journey across all platforms to create a unified experience. This involves maintaining a consistent design language and core functionality, so whether you’re on your Mac, iPhone, iPad or Apple Vision Pro, the transition between devices feels natural and familiar.

At the same time, we tailor the user experience to each platform’s unique strengths. For instance, on the iPad, we leverage the touch interface and Apple Pencil support for precise, hands-on document editing, while on the Mac, we utilize the larger screen real estate and integrate with Finder for seamless file management. We recognize that user intent may differ when switching devices, so it’s all about balancing a consistent core experience with platform-specific enhancements.”

What sets PDF Expert apart from other PDF editors in the market?

“PDF Expert stands out in the crowded PDF editor market for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, our approach to product development is distinctly user-centric. We prioritize user value above all else, investing heavily in advancements that directly enhance the user experience. In addition to building a product focused on maximizing value for our customers, we also provide exceptional customer support, ensuring that our users receive timely and effective assistance, and making their interaction with our tool as seamless as possible.

Secondly, what truly sets PDF Expert apart is the unique combination of simplicity and power. Users love that our tool is intuitive and easy to learn, yet it offers robust functionality for complex PDF editing. This balance means that even those new to PDF editing can quickly become proficient. Our customers consistently highlight our standout performance and top-notch editing capabilities, which further differentiates us from competitors.

In conclusion, PDF Expert is more than just a PDF editor; it’s a powerful tool that streamlines workflows and enables users to tackle their PDF tasks with exceptional efficiency and ease.”

How does PDF Expert ensure the accuracy and reliability of its measurement tools, especially for complex drawings?

“We ensure this through the scale detection system. The tool automatically detects the scale on the page, and from there, users—often engineers—are given full control to either accept or adjust the detected scale as needed. This is a crucial step because the scale dictates the precision of all subsequent measurements.

Once the correct scale is established, the tool ensures that measurements are accurate. This level of control is critical, as it allows users to take responsibility for both the scale and the measurements they take, ensuring they are tailored to the specific requirements of the drawing.

While the automatic scale detection can feel almost like ‘magic’, the system also allows for manual adjustments when necessary, ensuring that even the most complex drawings are handled with accuracy. Additionally, knowing the physical PDF size gives the tool a baseline for precision, making sure all measurements align with real-world dimensions.”

AI and PDF Expert: What’s next in terms of integrating AI-driven features?

“The exciting thing about PDF Expert is that our AI capabilities are highly relevant to our customers’ needs. We’re on a mission to revolutionize their workflows, and AI is at the forefront of that vision. While we currently offer an AI assistant that addresses user queries, we are setting our sights on something far more transformative.

Imagine this: rather than just answering questions, our AI will take the initiative to handle tasks within your PDFs, fundamentally transforming your interaction with documents. Consider needing to highlight all the critical points in a lengthy book or report, what if AI could do that for you in seconds? Envision extracting key insights, summarizing chapters, or generating meaningful annotations, all through a quick and personalized set of commands. This powerful capability can turn hours of manual work into moments of efficiency, enabling you to do more in less time.

This is just the start of what we’re developing. Our goal is to leverage AI to empower you by eliminating tedious tasks, enabling you to achieve more in less time. While I can’t reveal every detail just yet, I assure you that exciting advancements are coming soon. Stay tuned for our upcoming releases as we redefine your PDF experience, making it not just smarter but extraordinarily efficient!”

With Apple’s emphasis on privacy, how does PDF Expert ensure user data remains secure?

“At PDF Expert, we take privacy and security seriously, especially in line with Apple’s emphasis on protecting user data. One of the key ways we ensure data security is by keeping all user files stored locally on the device or in the user’s preferred cloud service, like iCloud. Importantly, we don’t store any content ourselves—everything stays securely within the Apple ecosystem or other trusted cloud providers.

We also fully leverage Apple’s robust security infrastructure, which includes data encryption and security protocols. This means all user data is protected by Apple’s highest standards. None of the users’ data is transmitted to or processed by any external providers.

By aligning with Apple’s privacy-first approach and employing its encryption technologies, PDF Expert ensures that user data is both secure and fully protected throughout every interaction.”

What are the upcoming milestones or areas of focus for PDF Expert?

“We have several exciting trajectories for PDF Expert, with one key focus on transforming the future of document management through AI capabilities, envisioning a smarter and more intuitive way for users to interact with their PDFs. Additionally, we are dedicated to creating a robust ecosystem that ensures seamless connectivity across all devices and platforms. Listening to our customers is at the heart of our mission, and we plan to introduce powerful additions to our toolset that address their diverse needs. Furthermore, we are enhancing our offerings for B2B customers, as PDF Expert has earned a stellar reputation as an indispensable work tool within organizations.”

What tips would you give, e.g., students, researchers, or business professionals, for making the most of PDF Expert?

“PDF Expert is a versatile tool designed to meet the needs of various user groups, from students and researchers to business professionals. One of the most important tips is to customize the app to suit your primary actions and use cases—organize your workspace in a way that enhances your workflow. If you’re using the iPad or iOS, take full advantage of the file management features by creating folders to effectively categorize your documents. This is especially beneficial for business users, as PDF Expert excels in managing multiple documents simultaneously.

Another valuable tip is to stay updated with our blog, X, and Facebook accounts, and ensure your tool is regularly updated, as we consistently introduce new improvements and features. Additionally, keep an eye out for our upcoming AI release, which promises to revolutionize how you interact with your documents—particularly useful for students, researchers, and educators.

If you’re in fields like architecture or engineering, be sure to explore our measurement tools. These features enable you to accurately assess dimensions in blueprints or schematics, significantly enhancing your project efficiency.

In conclusion, by customizing your PDF Expert experience, staying informed about updates, and utilizing specialized tools, you can maximize your productivity and effectiveness.”