Skip to main content
D
dianed97898145
Inspiring
July 8, 2023
Answered

What happened to "File > Save A Copy"?

  • July 8, 2023
  • 14 replies
  • 48485 views

Hi!

 

I create fillable Reader Enabled pdfs. Up until this past update from Adobe there was a method to save a copy of the Reader Enabled pdf as a NOT Reader Enabled pdf. That function seems to have disappeared with this latest update.

 

There is a pop-up window in Adobe Acrobat that pops up, when using a Reader Enabled pdf and trying to make any change other than filling it in, that says:

"This document restricts some Adobe Acrobat features to allow for extended features in Adobe Acrobat Reader. To create a copy of the document that is not restricted (and has no extended features in Adobe Acrobat Reader), choose File > Save a Copy."

 

When I would do that, "File > Save A Copy", the copy would be fully-editable.

 

This pop-up message still appears now but with the update it seems like the "File > Save A Copy" option is gone, or moved and I can't find it.

Can someone please help me to accomplish the above?

 

Thank you SO MUCH!!

Diane

    Correct answer JR Boulay

    "And, I thought I read that when the PDF has calculations, validations, special functions, etc. in it that the "reader enabled" is still needed. Is that accurate?"

    No, that's not true.

    Enabling for Reader was only used to save the PDF, it's completely independent of the functions used by the form.

    14 replies

    Show previous replies
    JR Boulay
    Community Expert
    JR BoulayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 10, 2023

    "Not everyone that uses my forms is using the latest version of the free Reader"

    It's not "the latest version", it's any version less than 13 years old.

    You should also read these topics:

    https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/this-document-could-not-be-reader-enabled/td-p/13478022

    https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/this-document-could-not-be-reader-enabled/m-p/13478022#M393634

     

    Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe
      D
      dianed97898145Author
      Inspiring
      July 10, 2023

      Hi!

       

      Thank you for this!

       

      Funny thing is, as I was reading through it, this comment from a post is what rang out to me:

       

      "I don't have the luxury of assuming everyone who uses my forms has the the very latest version of Reader, and in fact the feedback I get is the opposite."

       

      That is my situation. I understand that it's "any version less than 13 years old" but it was still very recently that a customer contacted me and I had to walk them through how to update their Reader.

       

      Is there anything negative that I need to worry about for users of versions "less than 13 years old" and/or users of paid Adobe Acrobat products (vs. the free Reader)?

       

      And, I thought I read that when the PDF has calculations, validations, special functions, etc. in it that the "reader enabled" is still needed. Is that accurate? Not all of my PDFs have that but a few do.

       

      Again, thank you so much for your time and help! 🙂

      JR Boulay
      Community Expert
      JR BoulayCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 9, 2023

      Since version XI (released in 2012) Acrobat Reader can save any PDF form that has been filled in or any PDF that has been commented on.
      Unlike previous versions of Reader, which required the PDF to be Reader Enabled before it could be saved.

       

      In any case, "Save A Copy" is still here in the latest Acrobat Pro, at the same place.

      Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe
        D
        dianed97898145Author
        Inspiring
        July 9, 2023

        Hi!

         

        Thank you so much for that info about "reader enabled"! I remember now what my trouble is with not saving it as "reader enabled".

         

        Not everyone that uses my forms is using the latest version of the free Reader. Rather than going through the process of an upset person contacting me and me having to explain to them to download the latest version (because they didn't read my included instructions that said the same thing) I just stick with the assumption that they're not all updated to the latest version. It's easier than being a broken record over and over, lol.

         

        Also, I seem to remember reading that when the PDF has calculations, validations, etc. in it that the "reader enabled" is still needed. Is that accurate? Not all of my PDFs have that but a few do.

         

        Does anything negative happen for users who have the latest version of the free Reader installed or for users who have a paid version of Acrobat installed when I save them as "reader enabled"?

        -----

         

        Turns out I was using the "new" Adobe Acrobat. Bernd showed me how to disable it and my File > Save A Copy is back. 🙂

         

        Again, thank you so much!!

        Bernd Alheit
        Community Expert
        Bernd AlheitCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        July 9, 2023

        What does you see at the File menu?

        D
        dianed97898145Author
        Inspiring
        July 9, 2023

        Hi Bernd!

         

        This is what it looks like now (it's not even labeled "File" any longer)... I'm so confused, lol.

         

        Thank you!!

          Bernd Alheit
          Community Expert
          Bernd AlheitCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          July 9, 2023

          You can disable the new UI:

           

            JR Boulay
            Community Expert
            JR BoulayCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            July 9, 2023

            "I create fillable Reader Enabled pdfs."

            Why?
            This function has been obsolete and useless for over 10 years.

            Acrobate du PDF, InDesigner et Photoshopographe
            D
            dianed97898145Author
            Inspiring
            July 9, 2023

            I knew this question was going to come up. I tried to get help here at the forums to understand that. No one responded. From what I read and tried to wrap my head around, I still need it for some of the things I do with the forms. I'm still going with it until I can find someone who can help me to understand WHY I don't need it because I'm not going to risk upsetting end users of my forms. Are you able to explain it to me? 🙂

             

            Do you know how to find the "File > Save A Copy" feature that the most recent update of Adobe still says is doable?

             

            Thank you so much!

            Diane

              S
              shirley_1999
              Participant
              September 24, 2024

              I often use Save a copy too and have been looking for it.  

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