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Does Microsoft 365 Include an Adobe Acrobat Pro Alternative?

Steve K Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if Microsoft 365 provides advanced PDF editing tools, specifically for merging files and rearranging pages, similar to Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Does Microsoft 365 Include an Adobe Acrobat Pro Alternative?

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Looking for built-in tools within Microsoft 365 to manage and edit PDF documents without purchasing additional software.
Observed behavior: Microsoft 365 lacks comprehensive PDF editing, merging, and page arrangement features comparable to Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Before you start

Verify your current Microsoft 365 subscription and ensure you have Microsoft Edge or Microsoft Word installed to access the basic PDF viewing and converting features natively available in Windows.

Solution 1

Understand Microsoft 365's Native PDF Capabilities

Microsoft 365 does not include a full Adobe Acrobat Pro alternative, but it does offer basic PDF handling through existing applications.

Microsoft 365 provides basic PDF functionalities through Word and the Microsoft Edge browser. However, because PDF is an Adobe standard, Microsoft does not offer a dedicated application that matches Adobe Acrobat Pro's extensive feature set. You cannot natively merge multiple PDFs or easily rearrange PDF pages using standard Microsoft 365 apps.

Open PDFs in Microsoft Word

Right-click your PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose 'Microsoft Word'. Word will convert the PDF into an editable Word document for basic text adjustments, though complex formatting may be altered.

View and annotate in Microsoft Edge

Double-click a PDF to open it in Microsoft Edge (the default Windows viewer). You can read, highlight text, and draw on the document, but you cannot extract, merge, or rearrange pages.

Limitation Warning: Converting PDFs to Word documents is best for text-heavy files. Image-heavy or highly formatted PDFs may not convert accurately.

Solution 2Recommended

Use a Dedicated PDF Editor for Advanced Features

Since Microsoft 365 lacks advanced PDF tools, you will need to utilize a dedicated PDF editor to merge files and manage pages effectively.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Get Advanced PDF Tools with WPS Office

Unlike Microsoft 365, WPS Office includes a powerful, built-in PDF editor right out of the box. Enjoy seamless Microsoft Office format compatibility alongside advanced PDF features like merging, splitting, and rearranging pages—all in one lightweight application without the need for an expensive Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office to access both its Office suite and the built-in WPS PDF editor.
2. Open the PDF tool: Launch WPS Office and click on 'PDF' to access the dedicated PDF editing workspace.
3. Manage your pages: Click the 'Page' tab to easily drag, drop, insert, or delete PDF pages within your document.
4. Merge multiple PDFs: Use the 'Merge PDF' tool from the toolkit menu to seamlessly combine multiple separate PDF files into a single document.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in advanced PDF editor to effortlessly merge, split, and rearrange pages.Lightweight, fast, and free to download with a highly familiar user interface.Eliminates the need for a separate, costly PDF software subscription.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Microsoft Word merge PDF files?

Microsoft Word can convert individual PDF files into editable Word documents, but it does not feature a native tool to merge multiple PDF files directly. You would need to open each PDF in Word and manually copy and paste the content together.

Does Windows have a built-in PDF editor?

Windows includes Microsoft Edge, which acts as a robust PDF viewer allowing you to add text, highlight, and draw on documents. However, it is not a full editor and lacks advanced capabilities like merging files, splitting documents, or rearranging pages.

How can I rearrange PDF pages without Adobe Acrobat?

You can use third-party PDF editing software like WPS PDF. It provides a visual page management interface where you can easily drag and drop page thumbnails into your desired order without needing an Adobe subscription.

Is there a Microsoft application specifically for PDF editing?

No, Microsoft does not currently offer a dedicated, standalone PDF editing application comparable to Adobe Acrobat Pro. Their PDF capabilities are intentionally lightweight and integrated across Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Word.

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