How to Update Adobe Applications from 32-Bit to 64-Bit on macOS
Question details
The user needs to determine if their Adobe applications support 64-bit macOS and how to update them after receiving a High Sierra 32-bit compatibility warning.
- Product
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Preparing for or troubleshooting a macOS upgrade (such as moving to Catalina or later) where 32-bit application support has been discontinued.
- Observed behavior
- macOS displays a compatibility warning stating that older Adobe applications or legacy background components are 32-bit and will not be optimized or supported on newer operating system versions.
Before upgrading to a newer macOS version, identify which of your current Adobe applications are 32-bit by checking the 'Legacy Software' or 'Applications' section within the Mac System Information tool.
Update Apps via Creative Cloud Desktop
Use the official Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app to ensure all your Adobe software, including Acrobat DC, is updated to the latest macOS-compatible 64-bit versions.
Acrobat DC and all current Adobe Creative Cloud applications are natively built as 64-bit applications for macOS. If you received a warning on High Sierra or Mojave, it may have been triggered by older background components that have since been patched.
Updating your apps directly through the Creative Cloud client will automatically replace these 32-bit components with their 64-bit counterparts.
Launch the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application from your Mac's Launchpad or Applications folder.
Click on the 'Updates' tab located in the left sidebar of the Creative Cloud interface.
Click the 'Check for updates' button in the top right corner to refresh the list of available application versions.
Click 'Update All' or click 'Update' next to individual apps like Acrobat DC to install the latest 64-bit releases.
Experience a Native 64-Bit Office & PDF Solution with WPS Office
Struggling with 32-bit legacy app warnings on macOS? WPS Office provides a lightweight, fully 64-bit optimized suite for Mac, featuring seamless Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and robust PDF editing tools without expensive subscriptions.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the macOS installer.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Edit PDFs & Documents: Launch WPS Office to easily open, edit, and manage your PDFs and Office documents in a fully 64-bit environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get a 'not optimized for your Mac' warning for Adobe apps?
This warning appeared in macOS High Sierra and Mojave to alert users that an application is utilizing a 32-bit architecture. Apple completely dropped all support for 32-bit apps in macOS Catalina, requiring 64-bit versions to run.
Can I still run Adobe CS6 on macOS Catalina or later?
No, Adobe Creative Suite 6 (CS6) relies on 32-bit architecture and is not supported on macOS Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, or newer versions. To use Adobe products on these systems, you must subscribe to the 64-bit Creative Cloud.
Are all current Adobe Creative Cloud apps 64-bit?
Yes, Acrobat DC and all actively maintained Adobe Creative Cloud applications are 64-bit. Ensure you update them via the Creative Cloud desktop app to maintain compatibility with modern macOS releases.
