Skip to main content
K
kayla_6112
Participant
May 18, 2025
Answered

Adobe for iPad not compatible with some files

  • May 18, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 506 views

I have an iPad Air running iOS 18 that I use as my primary computer and I have enrolled for a 1 year subscription to Acrobat Pro.  However, now that I am using the program, I realize that the functionality of Adobe for iPad is not at all the same as for the computer.  Primarily, I constantly get the message "This file is requires Acrobat DC for Mac or Windows" when I try to open files for editing.  Also, frequently when I do open a file in Adobe on my iPad, the file is locked, even though I can edit it when I open on a different device.  Is there a work around so that I can still accomplish what I need to on my device?  If not, can I get a refund for the rest of my subscription since the program I purchased isn't functioning fully on my device?  Thanks for your help.  

    Correct answer Amal.

    Hi there

     

    Hope you are doing well and sorry for the trouble.

     

    I have checked your Adobe account and found that you have an Acrobat Pro subscription, which gives you access to all the features for working with PDF files. However, due to platform limitations, the options are somewhat limited on Mobile devices compared to desktops.

     

    As described, the file is locked and you are unable to open the file when trying to edit and constantly get the message "This file requires Acrobat DC for Mac or Windows".

    Is this an issue with the particular PDF file or with all the PDFs? Please try with a different PDF file and check. Some PDFs (XFA and dynamic PDF forms) are not supported on the mobile app and need to be opened with the desktop app on Mac or Windows.

    Additionally, make sure the Acrobat Mobile app is updated to the latest version from the App Store and reboot the device once.

     

    If the issue still occurs, please share a small video recording of the steps you are taking for a better understanding.

     

    Also, please check the self-help page https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/mobile-app-faq.html for future reference.

     

     

    Let us know how it goes.

     

     

    1 reply

    Amal.
    Community Manager
    Amal.Community ManagerCorrect answer
    Community Manager
    May 19, 2025

    Hi there

     

    Hope you are doing well and sorry for the trouble.

     

    I have checked your Adobe account and found that you have an Acrobat Pro subscription, which gives you access to all the features for working with PDF files. However, due to platform limitations, the options are somewhat limited on Mobile devices compared to desktops.

     

    As described, the file is locked and you are unable to open the file when trying to edit and constantly get the message "This file requires Acrobat DC for Mac or Windows".

    Is this an issue with the particular PDF file or with all the PDFs? Please try with a different PDF file and check. Some PDFs (XFA and dynamic PDF forms) are not supported on the mobile app and need to be opened with the desktop app on Mac or Windows.

    Additionally, make sure the Acrobat Mobile app is updated to the latest version from the App Store and reboot the device once.

     

    If the issue still occurs, please share a small video recording of the steps you are taking for a better understanding.

     

    Also, please check the self-help page https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/mobile-app-faq.html for future reference.

     

     

    Let us know how it goes.

     

     

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices