CommonLook PDF Validator Installation Instructions

Instructions on installing your free PDF validator plugin.

PDF Validator Version 1.12.2

Workstation Requirements

IMPORTANT: Before installing the CommonLook PDF Validator, please ensure that the workstation meets the following minimal requirements.

  • Windows 8 or higher
  • Adobe Acrobat: Standard or Professional (Pro is Recommended), Acrobat 2018 or higher
    Please be sure to follow the installation instructions carefully.

In addition, we strongly suggest you begin using the CommonLook Validator with the instructions in the User’s Guide!

Install the CommonLook PDF Validator

Install the CommonLook PDF Validator

Important note: The CommonLook PDF Validator supports both the 32 bit and 64 bit versions of Adobe Acrobat. Make sure you are downloading and installing the bit version of the PDF Validator that matches your bit version of Acrobat (not necessarily the bit version of your machine)!

Also note, the screenshots below show the installation steps using the 32 bit version of the CommonLook PDF Validator. The installation will be exactly the same for the 64 bit version except that the dialog boxes will show “(64 bit).”

  • Uninstall the previous version (if you have one)
    Screenshot of Add or Remove Programs with CommonLook Validator selected and the Uninstall button highlighted.
  • Run the CommonLookPDFValidator.exe. If you don’t have it download the:
  • Read
    The License Agreement is highlighted in the CommonLook Validator Setup dialog.
  • Agree
    The checkbox to indicate agreement with the licensing terms is highlighted in the CommonLook Validator Setup dialog.
  • Install
    The Install button is highlighted in the CommonLook Validator Setup dialog.
  • Allow Changes – Choose “Yes”
    Screenshot of User Account Controls in Windows, asking if you want to allow CommonLook Validator to make changes to your device.
  • “Next”
    The Next button is highlighted in the CommonLook Validator Setup Wizard dialog.
  • Folder Location – Choose “Next”
    The Destination Folder dialog with the Next button highlighted.
  • Install
    The Install button on the Ready to install CommonLook Validator screen.
  • Completed!
    The Finish button is highlighted on the Completed Setup dialog.
  • Close
    The CommonLook Validator dialog indicating that the installation was successfully completed. The Close button is highlighted.

An Important Note About Protected Mode in Acrobat:

Due to a somewhat recent update and new setting in Adobe Acrobat, there is now a potential issue with running the CommonLook PDF Validator.

The Protected Mode feature in Acrobat is still in “Preview” mode (i.e., it is not an officially released feature) and still has some issues which we have been working with Adobe to identify and resolve. In response to these issues, Protected Mode is no longer enabled by default in Acrobat. We expect that Adobe will resolve these issues prior to the official release of Protected Mode.

To address this, please turn Protected Mode off by following these steps:

  • In Acrobat, navigate to Edit (in the toolbar)
  • Choose Preferences
  • In the left side of the Preferences dialog box, select Security (Enhanced)
  • In the Sandbox Protections, uncheck “Enable Protected Mode at startup”
  • In “Protected View,” choose the “Off” radio button. (Please note the screenshot below if needed.)

If you cannot access Adobe without it crashing please uninstall Both CommonLook PDF and the CommonLook Validator and then use the instructions above to disable the protected mode.

The Preferences dialog box in Acrobat. Security (Enhanced) is highlighted as are the Sandbox Protection options.

Installation Issues

If you encounter any issues during the installation, please email support@allyant.com . Try to include as many details as possible (screenshots are also very helpful). Our Support Team will contact you promptly to assist you in handling any issues.

Using the CommonLook PDF Validator

Follow this link to the CommonLook PDF Validator User’s Guide.

Making a PDF Compliant and Accessible

Once a PDF has been tested using the CommonLook PDF Validator, it may be necessary to fix some issues to bring it into compliance.

We highly recommend using CommonLook PDF to fix PDFs that are not compliant with accessibility standards. Follow this link to learn more about CommonLook PDF.

CommonLook Training

We offer training in a variety of accessibility topics including using the CommonLook products to meet your accessibility needs. Please visit our Training page for more information.

Trademarks

All trademarks referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to make this document as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an “as is” basis. NetCentric Technologies Inc. (doing business as Allyant) shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained in this document.