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Adobe Reader DC for Mac

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 2024.001.20604
  • 3.7

    (1135)

Softonic review

Dinkar Kamat
Dinkar KamatUpdated 4 days ago

Adobe’s comprehensive free PDF reader and editor

Adobe Reader DC, or Adobe Acrobat Reader, is a free PDF viewer and editor, widely used to open, annotate, sign and print all kinds of documents. Known to be the standard in the industry, Adobe PDF Reader offers Mac users all the features and tools necessary to interact with documents and perform daily tasks such as read PDFs, fill out forms, highlight text or sign documents in just a few seconds. Flawlessly integrated into Adobe’s Document Cloud, this streamlined version of Adobe Acrobat Reader Pro lets you work, download and access your PDF files from multiple devices. All from a simple,clean and intuitive interface seamlessly integrated to the Apple ecosystem. Would you like to know more?

What is Adobe Reader DC for Mac?

Adobe Reader DC for Mac is the go-to standar for viewing PDF files as well as performing basic editing tasks such as open, read, fill out forms and even sign documents with legal validity. As a free and streamlined version of Acrobat Reader Pro, Reader DC doesn’t let you convert PDFs or actually perform complex editing tasks such as changing the layout, text or images from a document. However, it’s the perfect choice for any Mac user looking for a powerful tool to access their PDF files with ease.

What are the main features of Adobe Reader DC for Mac?

Reader DC for Mac comes with a wide array of tools to interact with your PDF documents. These are some of its standout features:

  • Create PDF files- Adobe’s free software lets you create PDF files from any kind of document format as well as from images.
  • View PDF files- With Adobe Reader DC you’ll be able to easily open and view any PDF file.
  • Annotations and markups- The program lets you highlight, underline and add comments to any PDF file, being a very helpful tool for students.
  • Form filling- Reader DC allows you to fill forms digitally, without having to print, fill and scan a document before sending it back.
  • Password protection- To protect your files, Adobe Reader DC includes the option to add a password to any PDF file.
  • Sign PDFs- Reader DC can be used to sign documents with legal validity, being a useful tool to formalize and kind of online contract.
  • Document Cloud Integration- Thanks to Adobe’s cloud system, you’ll be able to access and store PDFs across different devices.

How is the interface of Adobe Reader DC for Mac?

Adobe Reader for Mac offers a clean and minimalistic interface that simplifies the process of interacting with PDF files. All the core features are easily visible at the top menu of the screen, along with its secondary features offered in its different toolbars and panels. As with the rest of Adobe’s main products, the macOS version of Reader has been designed to be as intuitive as possible to Apple users, being perfectly integrated in its ecosystem.

How is the performance of Adobe Reader DC for Mac?

Reader for Mac is able to open and handle large documents with ease, offering a smooth and responsive experience to tasks such as enlarging, searching and navigating through a page. However, the program is known to be resource-intensive (thus the release of Adobe Reader Lite), so older Macs can suffer occasional lag while working with their PDF files.

Can you create PDFs with Adobe Reader DC for Mac?

Yes, you can, Reader DC lets you create PDFs within seconds. With the ‘Create PDF’ tool, you can convert a wide range of file formats to PDF. Additionally, you can use the web app or mobile app to create PDF files with ease. The process is simple, clean and much more intuitive than in other programs such as PDF Editor Mac or Sejda PDF Desktop.

Reader DC also lets you create PDFs out of pictures. To do so you can use the ‘Adobe Scan’ feature, which works around automatic text recognition from whiteboards and papers. This feature is powered by Sensei, the company’s artificial intelligence model, and enhances the quality of scans, detects boundaries, corrects perspective errors, and automates workflows. Simply put, it helps you do a lot more work on the go.

Is Adobe Reader DC easy to use?

Compared to other options, Adobe Reader has the simplest interface. Since it’s easy-to-use, the program doesn’t require you to have any technical skills. All the tools and features are clearly listed under the ‘Tools’ tab. These have been divided into three categories, including ‘Forms & Signature’, ‘Review & Approve’, and ‘Create & Edit’. Below each icon, you can notice the dropdown options, which let you open a new file or apply certain features like stamps and password protection.

In case you use specific features frequently, you can look for them in the search bar. The tool gives you a detailed list depending on the search phrase and allows you to open files and add effects with ease. With simple scrolling, you can enjoy seamless navigation, and hop from one file to another. Most importantly, if you zoom in to read the text, it doesn’t affect file quality.

AI upgrade

Unlocking the potential of your PDF documents just got a whole lot easier with Adobe Reader's latest update. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning used in Firefly, the PDF reader introduces AI Assistant, a real game-changer that redefines how users engage with digital content. This innovative tool is a generative AI-driven engine that can suggest questions, supply answers, and even generate citations, all within an intuitive conversational interface.

Another highlight is the generative summary capability, which condenses lengthy documents into easily digestible overviews. With this feature, you can swiftly grasp the core insights of even the densest PDFs. Plus, clickable links make navigation a breeze, helping you pinpoint exactly what you need without endless scrolling. The tool also offers support for various file formats, including Word and PowerPoint, which gives Microsoft’s Copilot users an alternative.

In the future, you can expect even more exciting enhancements, such as AI-powered authoring, editing, and formatting. These advancements aim to streamline document creation processes. Furthermore, the integration of generative AI into collaborative reviews can help facilitate smoother collaboration workflows, analyzing feedback and suggesting changes. This AI-driven approach heralds a new era of intelligent document experiences, catering to diverse user needs and enhancing productivity across various domains.

A robust free PDF reader for macOS

Adobe Reader DC for Mac is a reliable choice for viewing and creating PDF files, remaining the global standard in the industry. Its comprehensive set of tools, clean interface and cloud integration make it the perfect choice for all macOS users looking for a free PDF viewer both for personal and professional use. While not as complete as Acrobat Reader Pro, this streamlined version of Adobe’s software is a solid choice to view and interact with PDF files with ease.

PROS

  • Supports multiple file formats
  • Quick conversions
  • Compatible with Adobe Document Cloud
  • Simple and clean interface

CONS

  • Can be overwhelming
  • Takes time to open big files
  • Lags in older Macs

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages


Adobe Reader DC for Mac

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 2024.001.20604
  • 3.7

    (1135)

User reviews about Adobe Reader DC

  • S. R.

    by S. R.

    Just wanted the old free version that let you print in booklet form with right side binding. Couldn't figure out how to right bind in this version. Do More

  • Drs. Bedjo Santoso,MT

    by Drs. Bedjo Santoso,MT

    poijjihiuhuib bjjbbj bhjjhb jkkjij sda nnuiuu sna sadiuondsiunmasiundsaioudsiudsa nn sadnisadiuohdshusdhsdsdandsnnn. dijdjklasdkjlknadssad

  • Alice Lilith

    by Alice Lilith

    because it doesn't allow me to download just the free version. It's impossible, everytime I try it, it shows me the pro version for 7days free trial a More


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