Fix Acrobat Pro 2017 Feature Not Included in License Error on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to edit PDF documents in Acrobat Pro 2017 for Mac due to a licensing error caused by a conflict with a previously installed Creative Cloud subscription.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to use advanced editing features in a perpetual standalone version of Acrobat.
- Observed behavior
- A prompt appears stating 'the feature is not included in the current license', blocking the ability to edit PDFs, despite the perpetual license being active on the account.
Ensure you have your 24-digit Acrobat 2017 serial number handy and save all open PDF documents before proceeding with the reinstallation steps.
Activate the Perpetual License Manually
Check if the application allows you to manually re-verify your standalone license from within the tools menu.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 and click on the 'Tools' tab located at the top of the workspace.
Look for an 'Activate' option. If prompted, click it to force the software to recognize your perpetual Acrobat 2017 license instead of the Creative Cloud subscription.
Clean Reinstall Acrobat and Creative Cloud Desktop
Completely remove conflicting Creative Cloud licensing files that are overriding your standalone software, then reinstall Acrobat 2017.
Edit PDFs Without Subscription Hassles using WPS Office
Tired of complicated license conflicts and subscription overlaps? WPS Office provides a free, lightweight alternative that includes a robust built-in PDF editor, allowing you to bypass standalone software conflicts entirely.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free installer for your Mac.
- 2. Install and launch: Follow the standard macOS installation process and open the application.
- 3. Open your PDF files directly: Drag and drop your PDF documents into WPS Office to immediately begin reading or editing without license checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Creative Cloud override my standalone Acrobat 2017 license?
Adobe's Creative Cloud desktop application uses a background licensing service that prioritizes subscription models over perpetual (standalone) licenses. If you previously had a CC subscription, the residual files can trick Acrobat into thinking it requires an active subscription.
Where can I find my Acrobat Pro 2017 serial number?
You can locate your 24-digit serial number by logging into your Adobe account online, navigating to the 'Plans and Products' or 'Order History' section, and viewing your registered software.
Will uninstalling Creative Cloud delete my saved PDF files?
No. Uninstalling the Creative Cloud desktop application or Acrobat only removes the software files. Your locally saved PDF documents and folders will remain completely unaffected.
Can I have both Creative Cloud and Acrobat 2017 installed on the same Mac?
While technically possible, it is not recommended. Mixing a perpetual license of Acrobat with an active Creative Cloud subscription on the same machine frequently leads to the 'feature not included' activation conflict.
