Adobe Acrobat 2020 is being discontinued, so what are your options at OISE?
Adobe has moved away from offering Acrobat Pro as a one-time cost per device. From now on, Adobe Acrobat Pro will only be available through an annual subscription model, similar to the Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions, which provide updates and application access throughout the paid license period.
OISE Community members who currently have existing Acrobat Pro licenses on their devices will continue to be able to use those licenses until they either receive a new device from Education Commons (i.e., CRP) or their computer undergoes a factory reset due to hardware or technical issues. However, it's important to note that the version of Acrobat Pro on their device will no longer be "supported" by Adobe, meaning it will not receive any of the new features that are released, and the license cannot be transferred to another device (new or existing). The official end-of-support date from Adobe is November 30, 2025.
Please get in touch with your departmental Business Officer if you require an Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription. Or, if you have questions about Adobe Acrobat Pro, please submit a ticket using our Education Commons Online Service Hub.
Note: Education Commons recommends that the OISE Community continue producing MS Word files (e.g. .docx) to comply with AODA guidelines instead of using PDFs whenever feasible.
Free Options to Consider
While Adobe Acrobat Pro has many advanced features that are great for working with .pdf files, not everyone needs a subscription. Many other applications are available to work with PDF files without a subscription:
- Accessing/Viewing/Saving a PDF: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Edge, Preview (Mac Devices), Google Docs, Acrobat Reader
- Annotating/Highlighting a PDF: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Edge, Preview (Mac Devices), Google Docs, Acrobat Reader
- Convert a PDF to a Word Document: Microsoft Word, Google Docs
- It is important to note that documents may not retain consistent formatting when using these applications. Additionally, some stylistic and text errors may arise depending on the accessibility of the original document.
- It is important to note that documents may not retain consistent formatting when using these applications. Additionally, some stylistic and text errors may arise depending on the accessibility of the original document.
- Fill Out Forms: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Edge, Preview (Mac Devices), Google Docs, Acrobat Reader
- Add Digital Signatures: Preview, Acrobat Reader
- Digital Signatures can be added using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Microsoft Edge, but these platforms are limited and require more manual manipulation to work effectively. These applications also do not have a unique digital signature functionality.
- Digital Signatures can be added using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Microsoft Edge, but these platforms are limited and require more manual manipulation to work effectively. These applications also do not have a unique digital signature functionality.
- Share and Review: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Edge, Preview (Mac Devices), Google Docs, Acrobat Reader
- Collaborate Using Comments, Track Edits, Highlighting, etc. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Edge, Preview (Mac Devices), Google Docs, Acrobat Reader
These free tools may not have all the advanced features of Adobe Acrobat Pro, but they're often enough for everyday tasks like filling out forms, adding comments, and making minor edits. Google Note: If you would like an OISE-issued Gmail address, just let us know!
Additional Questions/Concerns
If you have any additional questions or concerns about the change in Adobe Acrobat Pro licensing, or if you want to learn more about the alternatives available, please either:
- Submit a ticket using the Education Commons Online Service Hub.
- Book a virtual consultation with us
