Is it possible to obtain Adobe PDF for free?

Report · Dec 08, 2023

Greetings, Adobe community,

I've been pondering lately whether there's any way to get Adobe PDF for free. I'm keen on exploring the available options before making a decision on the best way to access this essential tool.

I would love to hear about your experiences and any advice on obtaining Adobe PDF at no cost. Are there any special offers, free trials, or alternative methods that I might have overlooked? I appreciate any insights you can provide.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. Looking forward to your responses!

Report · Dec 08, 2023

Let's start with clarification of the terms:

PDF is a type of file. Originally developed by Adobe, the file format is now in the public domain as an ISO international file standard. Today, hundreds of software programs by different manufacturers (in addition to Adobe Acrobat) can create, edit, view, render, print, and use PDF files. You can take your pick of programs to work with PDF files. Here's a comprehensive list from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PDF_software
Adobe PDF is a specific kind of PDF file created by an Adobe software program, such as Adobe Acrobat and Adobe InDesign.
Adobe Acrobat© is the original software from Adobe to view, edit, create, etc. PDF files. It's available in 3 versions:
- Acrobat Reader is FREE. But it has very limited capabilities to read, view, fill and sign forms, and print the PDF file.
- Acrobat Standard is a monthly subscription software. It has features to edit and create PDF files.
- Acrobat Pro is also a monthly subscription software, and it has advanced features for those in the printing and graphic arts industries, accessible documents, and other technical industries.

You can view a comparison chart of these 3 versions at https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/features.html

From your question, I think you're looking for a version of Adobe Acrobat. Take your pick!

View solution in original post

Report · Dec 08, 2023

Let's start with clarification of the terms:

PDF is a type of file. Originally developed by Adobe, the file format is now in the public domain as an ISO international file standard. Today, hundreds of software programs by different manufacturers (in addition to Adobe Acrobat) can create, edit, view, render, print, and use PDF files. You can take your pick of programs to work with PDF files. Here's a comprehensive list from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PDF_software
Adobe PDF is a specific kind of PDF file created by an Adobe software program, such as Adobe Acrobat and Adobe InDesign.
Adobe Acrobat© is the original software from Adobe to view, edit, create, etc. PDF files. It's available in 3 versions:
- Acrobat Reader is FREE. But it has very limited capabilities to read, view, fill and sign forms, and print the PDF file.
- Acrobat Standard is a monthly subscription software. It has features to edit and create PDF files.
- Acrobat Pro is also a monthly subscription software, and it has advanced features for those in the printing and graphic arts industries, accessible documents, and other technical industries.

You can view a comparison chart of these 3 versions at https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/features.html

From your question, I think you're looking for a version of Adobe Acrobat. Take your pick!