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Acrobat Reader
Acrobat Reader, a software program developed by Adobe Systems, Inc., is used to view files in PDF format. The software displays documents with the same layout and design as the original.
PDF is one of the most popular document formats on the Internet. Other file types, such as Microsoft Word files and Google Docs, change their layout to accommodate the size of a user’s screen. While this can be helpful when reading text, it is not as useful when viewing documents that contain both text and images together, such as a user manual or eBook. Documents with embedded pictures also tend to be very large, so PDFs use compression technology, which allows them to significantly reduce the file size, making it easier to view and download. Since PDF files are hard to modify and require special software to make changes, they are particularly appealing for anyone who wants to create an unchangeable document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for Adobe Acrobat?
You do not need to pay anything to view PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for free for nearly every operating system and device. Some PDF files allow minor editing using Acrobat Reader, but in general you will need the paid version of Acrobat in order to create or make changes to a PDF document.
Is Adobe Acrobat the only program available for viewing PDF files?
No, there are a number of other PDF viewers available, thought Adobe Acrobat continues to be the best known and most popular.
Can I create PDF Files without Adobe Acrobat?
While Adobe Acrobat remains the most popular PDF creation software, there are a number of other programs available that offer similar features, including PDFCreator and Nitro Pro. Many office suites, including Microsoft Office and Google Docs, also allow users to save to PDF format. However, once in PDF format, you may no longer be able to edit them in your office program, or you may have very limited editing abilities.
Can I make changes to PDF files without Adobe Acrobat?
There are a number of programs available that can edit PDF files, though most of them are paid programs, like Acrobat. Depending on how the PDF was created, using a different program may also change the layout or page design. Some office suites can now open PDF files, allowing you to edit their content; however, the resulting PDF will rarely look the same (or as good) as the original or an update created with a true PDF editor.
Why can’t I save the changes to a PDF file?
Some PDFs allow you to temporarily make changes to a file. For instance, some contracts or tax forms are saved in PDF, and allow users to enter their own information into blank fields and then print out the completed form. Some newer PDFs allow you to save these changes to your computer, but most are only intended to be printed and will not allow you to save any changes.