Can't open .pdf files without signing into cloud, starting recently

Report · Mar 06, 2020

Before recently simply x'ing out the Acrobat DC Reader signin window allowed viewing of .pdf files locally. But now xing it out causes Acrobat to close. My connection is extremely slow and the delay caused by required signin is unacceptably prohibitive in use of the app. Currently paralyzed and can't even open our software user's manuals. How can/did this happen?

Report · Mar 10, 2020

Hi there

We are sorry for the trouble and the delay in response. As described, you are not able to view the PDF without signing in to the application.

Please make sure you have the latest version 20.006.20034 installed. Go to Help > Check for Updates. and see if that works. You may also try to repair installation (Windows only) Go to Help > Repair Installation.

If it still doesn't work,

Remove the application using the Acrobat Cleaner Tool (https://labs.adobe.com/downloads/acrobatcleaner.html)
Reboot the computer
Reinstall the application using the link (https://helpx.adobe.com/in/download-install/kb/acrobat-downloads.html)

If it still doesn't work, please create a new test user profile with full admin right or enable the root account (Mac) and try using the application there and check.

Let us know how it goes.

Regards

Amal

Report · Aug 18, 2023

Anno 2023, this still happens. We encountered the problem when troubleshooting a remote site with no internet connection. We could not open the manuals needed. This hampered scientific research al lot and is causing serious issues.

Please become more user friendly in letting people read the PDF format.

I can understand the need for sign-in if you want to use your software for editing, but for reading it is right out rediculous.

Report · Aug 18, 2023

besides that, you have to force-quit the application on MacOS Ventura to close the app. This is a sign of bad coding practices.

Report · Aug 18, 2023

Hi there

Thanks for reaching out.

It is the design behavior of the application. You must be signed in using your Adobe id to use the Adobe Acrobat application. You may share your feedback with the engineering team using the link https://acrobat.uservoice.com/

Regards

Amal

Report · Aug 18, 2023

I complained about this a couple years ago when they first required Adobe login to use Acrobat. I work from a remote location with undependable internet, making Acrobat completely unusable at critical times. This is absolute incompetence and a violation of my privacy.

Report · Aug 23, 2023

Hi there,

Continuous and classic versions of Acrobat must connect to the Internet the first time you install and license desktop apps. Classic versions can then be used in an offline mode with a valid software license. Continuous software attempt to validate your software license every 30 days. You receive a reminder to reconnect to the Internet to validate your license after the 30 day period has expired.

Individual Acrobat annual subscriptions (continuous version) allow you to remain offline for an extended period if the Internet is unavailable for up to 30 days.

For more info, please check the help page https://helpx.adobe.com/document-cloud/kb/internet-connectivity-and-offline-grace-period---acrobat-d...

Let us know if you are referring to something else.

~Amal

Report · Aug 23, 2023

I know this and think it is rediculous for a free reader version of your
software. I understand it for the editor itself, but again, for the reader
it is just plain stupid.

With streaks of offline activity over 45 days (yes, that exists) the 30 day
limit is insane.

We have switched to open source software because of this. Krita, dark
table, Inkscape and Firefox now serve us without restrictions.

I really hope you (Adobe) realise that pushing away customers will not help
your sales.

Our organisation is looking for cost cuts and the Adobe subscription might
be one of the first to go.

Again, it is not too late, you make great software, but there is a limit in
customer acceptance

Best Vic