This is an important difference, particularly for writers and editors who need to convert PDFs to Word files in order to edit them with Word’s Track Changes tools. Acrobat Reader doesn’t include this functionality without purchasing an online service called Adobe Acrobat Export PDF. Create a PDF from any format screen in Adobe Acrobat Difference 5: Export PDF ToolĪdobe Acrobat’s Export PDF tool lets you convert PDFs to Microsoft Word files and PowerPoint slides, as well as a variety of other formats. These options aren’t available in Acrobat Reader. Organize Pages screen Difference 4: Create PDF ToolsĪdobe Acrobat’s Create PDF tools let you convert other types of files (e.g., Microsoft Word files, PowerPoint slides, web pages, scanned images) into PDFs, create blank PDFs, and add blank pages to existing PDFs. The Organize Pages tools aren’t available in Acrobat Reader. The Organize Pages tools in Adobe Acrobat let you rearrange the pages within your PDF, as well as insert files, extract pages, and split your PDF into multiple PDFs. Prepare Form toolbar in Adobe Acrobat Difference 3: Organize Pages Tools However, Acrobat Reader does offer limited capacity to fill and sign existing forms. Acrobat Reader doesn’t let you create forms. Edit PDF toolbar in Adobe Acrobat Difference 2: Prepare Form ToolsĪdobe Acrobat’s Prepare Form tools let you create forms that other people can fill and sign with a digital signature.

In addition, Adobe offers a streamlined version of Adobe Acrobat Pro called Acrobat Standard, which is currently only available for Windows.įigure 1. This version is a one-time purchase and is not continually updated. Adobe Acrobat Pro is periodically updated with new features and improvements.Īdobe Acrobat is also available in a non-subscription software currently called Adobe Acrobat 2020. Instead, this list is based on the features I believe are most important to a general audience.Īcrobat Reader is Adobe’s free PDF display software.Īdobe Acrobat is a PDF creation and management software available as an annual subscription called Adobe Acrobat Pro. This isn’t an exhaustive list of differences and similarities. Today’s post discusses five differences and one similarity between Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader to help you decide which program is best for your PDF projects.

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