John Warnock, the co-founder and former CEO of Adobe Inc., passed away on Aug. 19 at the age of 82. He played a pivotal role in the history of computing by creating the Portable Document Format (PDF) and software that transformed computers into digital printing presses, revolutionizing office work and publishing.
Warnock and Charles Geschke founded Adobe in 1982, naming it after a creek near their homes in Los Altos, Calif. Their first software, PostScript, allowed users to print documents with graphics and multiple fonts, replicating the on-screen appearance. This eliminated the need to visit a local printing press.
Apple was the first company to adopt PostScript, integrating it into their LaserWriter printer. This led to other printer manufacturers following suit. The introduction of PostScript marked a significant moment, with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs expressing his awe at its capabilities. The software empowered individuals to essentially run their own printing press, democratizing publishing.
Adobe received letters and appreciation for the launch of the LaserWriter in 1985. Notably, one of the first newsletters printed using PostScript was a lesbian publication, followed by a newsletter from a fundamentalist Christian sect. Although unexpected, it demonstrated Adobe’s commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices.
While Jobs expressed interest in acquiring Adobe, Warnock revealed that they were not prepared to be subservient to him. Despite being less recognized than famous duos like Jobs and Wozniak or Hewlett and Packard, Warnock and Geschke led Adobe to become one of the largest software producers globally.
Acrobat, released in 1993, drove much of Adobe’s initial growth. This software facilitated the sharing of documents as PDFs, preserving their fonts and graphics regardless of the underlying software used to create them. While it took time for Acrobat to gain traction in the market, eventually its merits became apparent to organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and the Internal Revenue Service.
Adobe’s portfolio of notable publishing products also includes Photoshop, PageMaker, and Illustrator. Like Jobs, Warnock envisioned technology serving a higher purpose and believed in the intersection of art and technology. Despite disagreements over Flash, Jobs held a deep respect and trust for Warnock.
Warnock’s journey into the world of technology began with a struggle in academics, but he found inspiration through a dedicated math teacher. He obtained degrees in math and philosophy from the University of Utah and pursued a career as a computer scientist at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), where he met Geschke. Fueled by their experiences at PARC, they developed PostScript and embarked on their entrepreneurial journey with Adobe.
Warnock served as Adobe’s CEO for 16 years until his retirement in 2001. He and Geschke were honored with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Barack Obama in 2009.
In his lifetime, Warnock recognized the disruptive power of his software, especially when combined with the internet. He predicted that paper would lose its importance as a transportation medium, but still maintain significance for reading and holding information.
Knight-Ridder, a now-defunct newspaper chain, appointed Warnock to their board based on his expertise. During a board meeting, he emphasized the need to embrace communication rather than clinging to the traditional newspaper business model.
John Warnock’s legacy will forever be remembered in the world of computing and publishing. His contributions through Adobe have transformed how we work, create, and share information.
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