Want to understand the differences between Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat? In this guide, we’ll tell you what you need to know.
If you’re not sure what option to use when working with PDFs, we’ve got you covered. Dive into this resource to better understand each application’s capabilities and choose the right tool for your needs.
What is Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Adobe released Acrobat more than 25 years ago, and today, the software is essential for viewing and editing Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Acrobat Reader is the free version of Acrobat, and it has some of the same functionality. You can use Reader to view, print, and make simple annotations to PDFs. However, you can’t make edits to existing text or media with Reader – you’ll need Adobe Acrobat for that.
What is Adobe Acrobat?
Adobe Acrobat is a powerful PDF editor with more features than Acrobat Reader. It allows you to create, edit, and manage PDF files, as well as convert them to various formats. Adobe Acrobat is a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, which offers various plans depending on the user’s needs.
What is Adobe Acrobat Reader DC?
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, short for “Document Cloud”, is the latest version of Acrobat Reader. It provides the same features as previous versions while also adding cloud-based functionality to sync documents across your devices. Now, Reader is connected to the Adobe Document Cloud, which allows for secure document sharing, signing, and storing. Once you’ve downloaded Reader DC, you can also pay to unlock integrated apps that expand your professional toolkit. These include:
Adobe Sign: This multi-platform service allows you to sign and deliver documents legally from any device. No pen is necessary – simply sign the document with your finger on a touchscreen. Adobe Sign is available as part of the Adobe Acrobat Pro DC subscription or as a standalone service.
Adobe Creative Cloud Services: With a Creative Cloud subscription, you’ll have access to various cloud services, such as Adobe Send & Track, Adobe Export PDF, and more, depending on your plan.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC vs. Adobe Acrobat
More digital tools are moving to the cloud every year, and Adobe Creative Cloud is part of the trend. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a powerful and free tool for viewing and annotating PDFs, while Adobe Acrobat offers advanced PDF editing capabilities through a subscription-based model. We recommend using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for viewing and basic annotations while upgrading to Adobe Acrobat if you need more advanced PDF editing features. With a Creative Cloud subscription, you’ll benefit from regular updates and access to additional Adobe services, ensuring a seamless workflow for your PDF needs.
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