Skip to main content
alessandro_cavallini
Known Participant
Oct 20, 2026 12:41 PM UTC
Question

Acrobat Pro on macOS Sequoia: Unable to Open Multiple Documents Due to Permission Errors

I am experiencing a persistent issue with Adobe Acrobat Pro on macOS Sequoia 15.8.1.

Acrobat version: Continuous Release, Version 2026.002.22031 (Unified App)
License: Acrobat Pro

After opening the first document, Acrobat fails to open any additional documents. Whenever I try to open another file, the following error message appears:

“Unable to complete the operation because Adobe Acrobat does not have the necessary permissions to access [folder path]. Would you like to launch Privacy Settings to allow access?”

The issue occurs even when the first document has been closed. I have to quit and restart Acrobat in order to open another document.

I have checked System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders and confirmed that the relevant permissions for Adobe Acrobat are enabled, including access to Desktop, Downloads and Dropbox. However, the error persists.

There is also a problem with the Help link in the error dialog. Clicking “Help” opens the following URL, which returns a 404 error:

https://www.adobe.com/404.html?gourl=permissionsmessage_it

The page displays the message: “Sorry, we couldn’t find that page.”

This issue has been occurring for a long time. I would appreciate your help in identifying the cause and finding a permanent solution, as restarting Acrobat every time I need to open another document is not a workable solution.

Could this be related to macOS privacy permissions, Acrobat's handling of file access, or a known bug in the application?

Thank you for your assistance.

 

    18 replies

    gifted_dynamismfb59
    Participant
    Oct 22, 2026 12:31 PM UTC

    Since Full Disk Access is already enabled and the issue persists, I’d try narrowing down whether it’s related to a specific folder or Acrobat’s file access.

    Could you test opening two PDFs from a simple local folder, such as Downloads, rather than Dropbox? Also, does the same error occur if you open the second PDF using Acrobat’s File > Open menu instead of double-clicking it in Finder?

    If it happens with local files too, checking whether Acrobat is fully updated and testing with a fresh macOS user account could help determine whether this is a user-level permissions issue or something specific to Acrobat.

    It would be useful to know whether the problem occurs with every folder or only certain locations.

    Translate
    alessandro_cavalliniAuthor
    Known Participant
    Oct 22, 2026 12:48 PM UTC

    Thank you for your suggestions. Unfortunately, I have already tried all the steps you mentioned, but the issue persists in every case.

    I have tested opening multiple PDFs from local folders, including files stored outside Dropbox, and the same error occurs regardless of the folder location. The issue also occurs when opening the second PDF through Acrobat's File > Open menu, as well as when double-clicking it in Finder.

    I have also checked for updates, reinstalled Acrobat, enabled Full Disk Access, and tested with a new macOS administrator account. None of these steps has resolved the problem.

    The issue consistently occurs with any folder and either method of opening files: Acrobat opens the first PDF successfully but fails to open the second one until I quit and restart the application.

    At this point, I would appreciate any further troubleshooting suggestions that go beyond the steps already tested.

    Translate
    gifted_dynamismfb59
    Participant
    Nov 5, 2026 10:23 AM UTC

    Thanks for confirming that you've already tried those steps. Since the issue persists across different folders, opening methods, and even a fresh administrator account, it sounds like the usual permission checks haven't resolved it.

    I noticed Adobe's community team suggested collecting Acrobat diagnostic logs. That seems like the most useful next step, especially since the problem is consistently reproducible.

    For Mac users experiencing other software or system-related issues, this Mac troubleshooting resource may also be helpful for understanding common problems and possible troubleshooting options.

    Hopefully, the diagnostic Log ID will help identify the cause of the Acrobat issue.

    Translate
    alessandro_cavalliniAuthor
    Known Participant
    Oct 22, 2026 7:43 AM UTC

    Thank you for your reply.

    I have created two test PDF files and recorded my screen to demonstrate the issue. The recording shows that the first test file opens successfully, while attempting to open the second file triggers the permissions error.

    I have reproduced the issue using both methods:

    • Opening the files directly from Finder.

    • Opening the files through Acrobat's File > Open menu.

    I am attaching the screen recording to this post for your reference.

    Regarding Acrobat Diagnostics, my Acrobat Pro interface is in Italian, and I have been unable to locate the relevant option or determine how to run the diagnostic tool as described in your instructions. Could you please provide specific instructions for the Italian version of Acrobat on macOS, or an alternative way to collect and share the diagnostic logs?

    Thank you for your continued assistance.

    Translate
    PriyankaVishwakarma
    Community Manager
    PriyankaVishwakarmaCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    Oct 22, 2026 12:19 PM UTC

    Hi ​@alessandro_cavallini,

    Thank you for getting back to us with the requested information. We truly appreciate the time and effort you've taken to test the behaviour and provide these details. 

     

    Please use the HelpX document below to collect the system diagnostic logs. The article also includes a short video tutorial that guides you through the process with step-by-step instructions. 

     

    Acrobat Diagnostic : https://helpx.adobe.com/it/acrobat/kb/acrobat-diagnostics.html 

     

    Once the diagnostics are complete, please share the Log ID displayed in the Acrobat Diagnostics dialog box.

    This will help us review the logs with our team and continue investigating the behaviour. 

     

     

    Regards, 

    Priyanka Vishwakarma 

    Translate
    alessandro_cavalliniAuthor
    Known Participant
    Oct 22, 2026 12:56 PM UTC

    Thank you for your reply.

    I have followed the instructions in the HelpX article and watched the video tutorial. However, my Italian version of Acrobat Pro does not seem to have the “Troubleshoot Acrobat” option shown in the first video, and I cannot find the corresponding setting in Preferences > General.

    I wanted to attach a screenshot of my Acrobat Preferences > General window to show the options available in my version, but unfortunately, the forum is not uploading the image.

    Could you please clarify how I can enable or access Acrobat Diagnostics in my version of Acrobat Pro for macOS, or provide an alternative method to collect the diagnostic logs?

    Thank you for your assistance.

    Translate
    Community Expert
    Manan JoshiCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    Oct 20, 2026 12:59 PM UTC

    As mentioned in the other post, check for full disk access permission to Acrobat.

    Translate
    -Manan
    alessandro_cavalliniAuthor
    Known Participant
    Oct 20, 2026 1:02 PM UTC

    I have checked the Full Disk Access settings and enabled the permission for Adobe Acrobat Pro, then restarted the application. Unfortunately, the problem persists, and I still cannot open multiple documents consecutively without quitting and restarting Acrobat.

    Translate
    Community Expert
    Manan JoshiCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    Oct 20, 2026 1:05 PM UTC

    Something is still troubling the app it seems. Does this happen for files opened from any specific folder or it happens everywhere on my Mac?

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