Hi Brianna,Not all PDFs are created equal. As you probably already figured out there isn't a practical way to secure a PDF unless you use something like Activ along with HYPrLock. Please note that some systems claim to secure the PDF, but neglect to mention that the PDF has an .exe wrapper and is opened without any security. HYPrLock allows you to use password protected PDFs and hides those passwords from the end user, which means that it is extremely difficult to crack.
It might not be important to you, but often creating PDFs without an Adobe product means that 1) The user will not be able to use the commenting feature. True, most users aren't currently away that the free Reader version offers this ability but as word spreads they will likely want it. Think of commenting as writing notes to yourself in a book's margin. 2) You will be unable to include Flash as well as other multi-media files.
Adobe's Acrobat Pro is expensive, which is why I suggest that users take advantage of Adobe's online PDF conversion service. The first 5 conversions are free. After that it is $10 USD a month. BTW Adobe will also stores the file for you so you can send links for file download.
What you don't mention is what you feel is a 'high-performance tool.' Are you including javascript functions? A lot of PDF users aren't aware that you can create PDFs with javascript functions. In fact Adobe's Acrobat Pro includes a javascript debugger (among other tools.)
