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thomasj88389970
Participant
November 18, 2016
Answered

Can't edit a pdf with Acrobat Reader DC

  • November 18, 2016
  • 5 replies
  • 7448 views

I need to edit a pdf manuscript for a journal.  The journal recommended the "free" download of Acrobat Reader DC.  I downloaded it just fine, but found the editing capabilities to be limited to just being able to insert post-it comments on my Mac PC (OS 10.10.5).  When I clicked on "edit pdf" I found that I had to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud for $24.95 per month (or commit to a $14.95 per month for a year).  I chose the former and downloaded Adobe Creative Cloud.  I went back to the Acrobat Reader DC that I downloaded prior to purchasing a month on Creative Cloud, and did not find that I have the editing capabilities that I am looking for, such as adding new text, running a line through text that I wish to delete, etc. I can open the pdf document that I wish to edit in Acrobat Reader DC, but still only have the option to insert post-it notes.  How do I get to the editing stage?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer CtDave

    No release of Adobe's Acrobat Reader can edit PDF page content, export PDF page content or create PDF.

    Contemporary releases provide in-built "links" to online subscription services that provide for some measures of PDF "manipulation".

    To accomplish that which you appear to be interested in you will have to purchase a license for the current release of Adobe's Acrobat Pro or subscribe to it. Once "paid" you can download the installer, install the desktop application and use Acrobat Pro to edit, create, export, build forms, add Acrobat JavaScript, etc.  An alternative to the "Pro" version is the "Standard" version. However this alternative is rather less robust.

    5 replies

    R
    rachel25141376eupk
    Inspiring
    November 8, 2022

    Solutions
    Solution 1: Ensure Acrobat is installed on your computer
    If Acrobat is not installed on your machine and you have a valid subscription for Acrobat then use this link to download and install Acrobat.

    For previous versions of Acrobat, use this link.

     

    On Windows: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type Acrobat in the Open field, and then click OK.
    On Mac: Type Acrobat in the spotlight.


    Solution 2: Make Acrobat the default PDF owner on your computer
    If both Acrobat and Reader are installed, then make Acrobat as your default PDF viewer. Follow the steps below.

     

    Steps for Windows 7 / Windows 8:
    Launch Acrobat/ XI Pro/ XI Std. You can verify the version from the Help Menu. See the below screenshot for Acrobat.


    Choose Edit > Preferences.


    In the Preferences dialog box, on the left side options select General.

    Select the Select As Default PDF Handler option.

    Capture
    Click OK.

    Close Acrobat and double-click any PDF file to open it in Acrobat.



    Regards,

    Rachel Gomez

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    November 2, 2020

    I found this helpful info on how to use Acrobat Reader as proof reader/copy editor. These are very different tasks from actually editing a file, instead you are giving info to the actual editor, to tell them your opinion of the changes needed. Be sure use the tools exactly as described. Your copy review might be automatic, and any info you add in another way might just be lost. https://blog.catchthesun.net/2019/02/pdf-markup-basics-for-proofreaders-copyeditors/

    A
    Andile26883864bh7q
    Participant
    October 31, 2022

    I'm trying to open a page pdf on WhatsApp 

    AkanchhaS8194121
    AkanchhaS8194121
    Legend
    November 1, 2022

    Hi @Andile26883864bh7q 

     

    To open any PDF document on the phone, using mail, what's an app or any other app. You required a pdf supporting software. For mobile, download "Adobe Acrobat Reader".

     

    Thanks,

    Akanchha

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    November 2, 2020

    The journal does NOT expect you to edit it, I assume. Just as well you could not, that could be disastrous!! It's a pity they did not send instructions. You are not editing, but proof reading. Acrobat Reader includes a full set of proofreaders tools for marking insertion, deletion and correction. Use the Comment tools, NOT the edit tools. Do NOT use the post-it comments, look at the other types of comments available, on the tool bar, when you select Comment. The page contents are NOT edited, they are marked, and popup comments contain your corrections. 

    D
    Dhiraj5E66
    Participant
    November 2, 2020

    Adobe Reader can't allow you to edit pdf files. Instead, you need Adobe Acrobat software and purchase a license for Acrobat DC to edit pdf documents.

    CtDave
    CtDaveCorrect answer
    Participating Frequently
    November 18, 2016

    No release of Adobe's Acrobat Reader can edit PDF page content, export PDF page content or create PDF.

    Contemporary releases provide in-built "links" to online subscription services that provide for some measures of PDF "manipulation".

    To accomplish that which you appear to be interested in you will have to purchase a license for the current release of Adobe's Acrobat Pro or subscribe to it. Once "paid" you can download the installer, install the desktop application and use Acrobat Pro to edit, create, export, build forms, add Acrobat JavaScript, etc.  An alternative to the "Pro" version is the "Standard" version. However this alternative is rather less robust.

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