As I look at our list of new features, I see things customers have asked for and things they haven’t but will be floored by. So to share some of this excitement, I’ve decided to write about a few of my favorite features.

Group Proofing and Uploading Multiple Files

Approval Manager 2012 now allows you to upload multiple files and proof those files as a group. The Spark! interface can display all of the files included in the group. Here you can approve or reject individual files plus approve or reject the entire group of files. This will be extremely helpful on projects where your client needs to select from a stack of images for a website or even if you need to route and review a group of files making up a marketing campaign. Now, you can upload all of the images into a group proof and your customer can approve the files they want and reject the files they don’t want. They can then choose to approve or reject the group as a whole.

Comment Replies and Attachments

Another cool feature, one that we’ve had many requests for, is the ability to reply to a comment. This feature allows reviewers to reply to another reviewer’s comment, starting a conversational comment thread. We have even included the ability to attach files to any comment or reply. Attachments can help a reviewer clarify their comments by including an image or a file that provides supporting information. Also, each comment, reply and attachment is updated in real-time, so users will automatically see any new additions to the developing conversation immediately.

File Management Window

The overall management of files in Approval Manager has been improved and streamlined. From uploading multiple files all at once and viewing statuses to discarding files and uploading new versions, the new File Management window acts as a central location for managing all your files.

Other Features

Additional tools have been added to Spark! such as the Pen Tool and Color Chooser, which allows reviewers to apply any color to their markups. Support of Adobe Illustrator files is now included in Spark! as well as the ability to post comments, replies and attachments on unsupported file types directly in the Spark! review. The dashboard views in Approval Manager have also been redesigned to offer more workflow information and increased control for managers, producers and reviewers.

As you can see, there’s a lot to be excited about. If you’d like to try out any of these features now, you can check out our 14-day online trial for free at: http://www.metacommunications.com/products/approval_manager/editions.

What other features would you like to see in Approval Manager or our other products? Let us know!