Cannot edit PDFS?

Report · Jun 11, 2023

So, I've paid for the entire creative cloud... but somehow I still have to pay additionally to use acrobat pro. Can someone make this make sense? I subscribed to the free 7 day trial and I still cannot access any of the editing tools. All I want to do is fill and sign a W9. Yikes. I miss the days where when you bought a program, it was yours. This subscription based model is robbery.

Report · Jun 11, 2023

Hi, @Deana304371611pbl,

My guess is that you had Acrobat Reader on your computer before you got the CC set of applications. While YOU know you have Acrobat Pro; your computer is still set to open PDFs in Reader. You do not state if you're on a PC or a Mac, but I'm assuming that you know how to reset your computer to use Acrobat Pro instead of Reader. Yes, even during the 7-day trial you have access to Acrobat Pro (assuming that you've downloaded it).

Let me know how it works out.

Report · Jun 14, 2023

It's interesting that you say that, because I eventually was able to access Acrobat Pro tools on the Creative Cloud in my browser! I had not thought of this, but it's entirely possible. I'm on a PC so I'm going to give this a shot. Thank you so much.

Report · Jun 12, 2023

Gary@gary_sc is correct.

Plus, if all you want to do is sign a form, you don't need a subscription at all. Acrobat Reader lets users fill in and sign forms without any additional software.

Can you check and see which version of Acrobat is opening on your system: Acrobat Reader or Acrobat DC Pro?

Report · Jun 14, 2023

I did not know that! I was having so much trouble signing the W9 because it's a protected document. I just got it to work a day after I posted for help by using the browser application on the Creative Cloud. When I try to use the desktop program, it opens Acrobat DC.

Report · Jun 14, 2023

...because it's a protected document.
By @Deana304371611pbl

Yes, the official W-9 form by the US federal government's IRS is indeed protected, but it does allow users to make Acrobat comments, fill in form fields, print the PDF, and sign it.

IRS form W-9.

Maybe your copy was corrupted or changed by your employer or even grossly out of date.

In the future, if you have problems working with a government form, download an official copy from the government's website (federal, state, local). IRS' website is www.irs.gov/FormW9. Employers are required to provide employees with current copies, but that's more a dream than a reality!

Glad you found a way to make it work for you!