When to Use This Guide
Use this guide if you need to work with PDF documents and are unsure whether Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat is the right tool for your needs.
Many users only need to view and read PDF files. Others need advanced features such as editing, creating forms, collecting signatures, or combining multiple PDF documents. This guide will help you determine which product best fits your work.
Your Options
Adobe Reader
Adobe Reader is a free application designed for viewing, printing, searching, and commenting on PDF files.
It is the right choice for most users who only need to read PDF documents or complete basic PDF tasks.
Adobe Acrobat Studio
Adobe Acrobat Studio is a licensed application that includes all Reader features plus advanced PDF creation, editing, conversion, security, and workflow capabilities.
It is intended for users who regularly create, modify, or manage PDF documents as part of their work.
How to Chose
Most faculty and staff who only consume PDF documents require Adobe Reader.
Acrobat Studio is typically reserved for users with specialized requirements such as accessibility remediation, records management, legal review, compliance activities, document comparison, redaction, or advanced document publishing.
|
Feature
|
Adobe Reader
|
Acrobat Studio
|
|
Available on macOS
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Open and view PDF files
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Print PDF files
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Search PDF content
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Fill out PDF forms
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Add comments and annotations
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Basic electronic signatures
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
Edit PDF text and images
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Combine multiple PDF files
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Password protect PDF documents
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Organize, rotate, extract, and reorder pages
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Create fillable PDF forms
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Advanced form design and automation
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Redact confidential information
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Advanced accessibility tools
|
✗
|
✓
|
|
Advanced pre-press and print production tools
|
✗
|
✓
|
Recommendation by Use Case
Choose Adobe Reader if you:
- Read PDF documents
- Print PDF documents
- Fill out forms
- Review and comment on files
- Occasionally sign documents electronically
Choose Acrobat Studio if you:
- Edit PDF content
- Combine multiple PDF files
- Convert PDFs to Word or Excel
- Design or manage fillable forms
- Handle sensitive information requiring redaction
- Need advanced accessibility checking and remediation
- Compare document revisions
- Create automated PDF workflows
- Work with publishing, compliance, communications, or records management processes
- Serve as a power user who spends significant time creating and managing PDF documents
Next Step
If Adobe Reader meets your needs, and it is not already installed on your computer, you can download the application from the Software Center.
If your work requires PDF editing, document conversion, form creation, redaction, or advanced signature workflows, submit a Software Request through the ITS Service Catalog.