Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free software application used to open, view, print, and interact with PDF files.
Adobe Acrobat Pro is a paid, full-featured PDF solution used to create, edit, convert, and manage PDF documents.
What's the difference?
| Feature |
Adobe Acrobat Reader |
Adobe Acrobat Pro |
| Allows for fill, sign, and digital signatures |
Yes |
Yes |
| View and print PDF's |
Yes |
Yes |
| Share and comment on PDF's |
Yes |
Yes |
| Send PDF's for signature |
No |
Yes |
| Password protect PDF's |
No |
Yes |
| Integrate with Microsoft 365 |
No |
Yes |
| Send signatures in bulk and track |
No |
Yes |
| Add custom branding to agreements |
No |
Yes |
| Collect signatures from websites |
No |
Yes |
| License |
Free to use - No license |
Requires a license |
| Manager Approval Needed |
No |
Yes |
How do I decide which one to use?
👉 Use Adobe Reader if you:
- Just need to view PDFs
- Fill out forms or sign documents
- Add simple comments
👉 Use Adobe Acrobat Pro if you:
- Edit PDFs regularly
- Convert files between formats
- Handle contracts, reports, or workflows
- Need security/redaction
- Work with scanned documents
💡 Simple way to think about it
- Reader = “Read & sign PDFs”
- Pro = “Create, edit, and control PDFs”
Need More Help?
Connect with PVCC Technology Services:
434.961.5400
help@pvcc.edu
Room M832 in the Main Building (Campus Map)