Adobe Acrobat is by far the worst program I've ever used

[Acrosplat version 9372616]

Updated almost weekly with minial feature advancements or performance improvements in sight, this horrific tool needs a re-write.

I cannot believe the industry tolerate such garbage.

[JR Boulay]

Thank you for this constructive and argued message.

[johane37958790]

Is this the answer that is chosen to be the right? The program is utterly flawed and Adobe should re-write it from the ground. Look up Bluebeam, that's is actually ok to use. 
This forum with all the Adobe boot licking experts....

[LeslieByrne]

I could not agree more - I am paying $14.99 twice a month for what? Two programs that barely work and slow my PC down to preJurassic levels!!!! Where is the replacement  -  this is useless!

[Mueller Media Group]

2023,  Still trash.   

Editing forms or having to create anything in this program OTHER than one text box or siginiture field for signing is atoricous. 

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com]

Try reverting to the "classic" user interface instead of the new 2023 "modern viewer" (as Adobe likes to call it).

Instructions are here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/acrobat-2023-how-to-revert-to-classic-gui-user-in...

Lots of complaints here that the new interface has some missing functions and quite a few bugs.

[Trolly32259550hdgx]

It's 2023, I just got an update yesterday after all this time.  

It is actually far worse.  It crashes 3 times as much.  Which is pretty much every time I open it now.  I just have to make sure I save constantly before it does.  It is the only program on my laptop and PC that does this.  

Thank God for the protection of these failed monopolies by the Nanny state of America. 

[Amal.]

Hi @Trolly32259550hdgx 

I'm really sorry to hear that you're facing issues with Adobe Acrobat DC. It can be frustrating when technology doesn't cooperate. Let's work together to try and resolve this.

Firstly, could you clarify if this issue is specific to one particular PDF file or if it's affecting all the PDFs you're trying to open? Testing with a different PDF might help us understand the scope of the problem.

Also, could you please confirm the version of Adobe Acrobat DC you're using? To do this, go to the Help menu and select About Acrobat. Make sure you have the most recent version, which should be 23.06.20320. If not, you can check for updates through Help > Check for updates and then restart your computer.

For Windows users, you can attempt to repair the installation from the help menu. Unfortunately, this option is not available on Mac. If you're on a Windows system, give it a try.

In addition, resetting Acrobat preferences can sometimes resolve issues. You can follow the steps outlined in this link: How to reset Acrobat preference settings to default.

If the problem persists, you might want to consider creating a new test user profile on Windows with full admin rights or enabling the root account on Mac. This can help determine if the issue is user-specific or system-wide.

Please try these steps and let us know how it goes. We're here to assist you further if needed.

Your feedback will help us narrow down the problem and find a solution.

~Amal

[Scott36373660unzy]

Dude, it is pure unadultrated garbage, hire a QA department. And if you have a QA department fire every single one of them. And if you are developing this thing with Agile, that's why it is badly broken, switch to Waterfall, it works.

[Zach31081357e61k]

I agree with this assesment. I thought Adobe invented teh PDF. Have some pride.

Take a look at Bluebeam and see how you can improve.

[Dwight33385141kffm]

Random locking of files with out a clue as to what password must be used, no reset no forgot password. It is the standard and will not improve for us lowlifes.

Congratulations Adobe

[Amal.]

Hi there

Adobe Acrobat doesn't apply password protection by itself.

Would you mind sharing more details about the issue you are experiencing? A small video recording of the steps you are doing would be very helpful.

What is the version of the Acrobat DC you are using? To check the version go to Help > About Acrobat and make sure you have the recent version 24.01.20615 installed. Go to Help > Check for updates and reboot the computer once.

Also try to repair the installation from the help menu (Win Only) and see if that works.

Please try to reset the Acrobat preferences as described here https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/how-to-reset-acrobat-preference-settings-to-defau... and see if that helps.

Let us know how it goes.

~Amal

[Scott36373660unzy]

I've been writing software for 40 years, I've never seen a program with more bugs, ever. It is damn near impossible to use.

Does Adobe even have a single QA resource? Even one? I suspect not!

[Kyle37076466jmu8]

Couldn't agree more.  This garbage is an insult to the concept of computer programing.  I use it because I have no choice.  Everything I use it for, I get it done, then never ever interact with it again.

[Beej]

Totally agree.  Trying to do exams on it and every time I try to save it crashes....work all gone.  Bought the Pro version..no better. Won't even allow me to upload phots of the pop ups..... Utter garbage

[You make bad software]

Dear Adobe:

Clearly a lot of us have typed in nearly OP's exact title into a search out of utter frustration and incredulity that this program could be so consistently terrible in both design and function, year after year after year. It truly is both bewildering and impressive to make such absolute garbage and charge such a ridiculous amount of money for it, as if you are actually providing something that works. Stop pretending that you're trying to do a good job, it's obvious that you're not! Most of the updates are tiny, and sometimes you rearrange the UI in an attempt to make users feel like you are doing stuff and therefore justify the cost. We are laughing at you as soon as we stop crying.

I don't believe in ghosts, but using Acrobat for years has really challenged that because your software must be haunted. It is constantly behaving in inconsistent and unpredictable ways, almost like some poltergeist is in there mucking around. As a company, maybe it's time to take a good look in the mirror and realize that the whole "fake it till you make it" thing really doesn't work as an entire business model. Do us a favor and die so something worthy can grow out of your bug-ridden corpse. Byeeeeee

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com]

@You make bad software, I'm not Adobe. Just a users like you.

Did you try reverting to the classic interface in your version of Acrobat Pro?

• For both Mac and Windows, the instructions are at https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/acrobat-2023-how-to-revert-to-classic-gui-user-in...

[You make bad software]

Hi Bevi, 

I don't see how my post and your response to it are connected. Please elaborate as to how reverting to the classic interface would relate to my post.

Thank you!