Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) vs Acrobat Pro (licensed): Which do I need?

There are two different versions of Acrobat available to use: Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

  • Adobe Reader is available to everyone as a free download.

  • Adobe Acrobat Pro requires a license provided by ITS in order to access it.

Refer to the below table and FAQ, then see Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat Pro Installation Instructions for steps on installing.

 

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Pro

 

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Pro

View PDFs

Print PDFs

Sign PDFs

Annotate PDFs

Search PDFs

Create PDFs

Edit PDFs

Combine PDFs

Compare forms

Protect PDFs

 

Adobe Reader FAQ

What is Acrobat Reader?

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software is trusted global standard for viewing, printing, signing, sharing, and annotating PDFs. It's the only PDF viewer that can open and interact with all types of PDF content – including forms and multimedia.

Is Acrobat Reader DC free?

Yes. Acrobat Reader DC is free desktop software available on the Reader download page or wherever you see the Get Adobe Acrobat Reader icon.

Can I sign documents and forms electronically with Acrobat Reader DC?

Yes. The Fill & Sign tool, powered by Adobe Sign, makes it easy to sign documents and forms. Just open any PDF file, sign by typing or drawing your signature, or using an image.

Can I collect signatures from others and manage signed documents in Acrobat Reader DC?

Yes. Acrobat Reader DC provides a limited number of signatures you can request using the Fill & Sign tool, without purchasing a subscription to Acrobat Pro, Adobe Acrobat PDF Pack, or Adobe Sign.

How does Acrobat Reader DC provide accessibility for people with disabilities?

Acrobat Reader DC makes it possible for people with disabilities – such as blindness, low vision, or mobility impairments – to interact with PDF documents and forms. Accommodations include built-in capabilities as well as support for users of assistive technologies

Using Acrobat Reader DC on Windows, users can:

  • Customize accessibility preferences with an easy-to-use wizard

  • Work with magnifiers

  • Read PDFs out loud using built-in functions or working with professional screen-reading software

  • Set high-contrast colors for better visibility

  • NEW Read text easier in high contrast mode with dynamic background adjustment

  • Enable large-type display by setting text to reflow through pages

Using Acrobat Reader DC on Mac, users can:

  • NEW Work with the Voiceover screen reader on Mac OS X computers

  • Work with magnifiers

  • Set high-contrast colors for better visibility

  • NEW Read text easier in high contrast mode with dynamic background adjustment

  • Enable large-type display by setting text to reflow through pages


Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat Pro Installation Instructions

 

Windows

Adobe Acrobat Pro Windows Installation Instructions

Adobe Reader Windows Installation Instructions


Related Articles