Other PDF Issues

Acrobat Standard 2020 vs. Pro 2020: Feature Comparison Guide

Anum MushtaqAnum Mushtaq Nov 5, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a detailed feature comparison and requirements overview for Adobe Acrobat Standard 2020 and Acrobat Pro 2020 perpetual licenses.

Acrobat Standard 2020 vs. Pro 2020 Feature Comparison
Product
Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Evaluating different perpetual-license versions of PDF editing software to make an informed purchasing decision.
Observed behavior
Seeking official release notes, system requirements, and a breakdown of advanced PDF editing, conversion, and security features available in each edition.
Before you start

Identify your specific workflow requirements, such as whether you need advanced redaction tools, preflight capabilities, or Mac OS compatibility, as these will directly dictate which version is necessary.

Solution 1Recommended

Review the Official Feature Summary and Requirements

Access official comparison resources to evaluate the exact differences in editing capabilities, security features, and platform support between Standard and Pro versions.

Acrobat Pro 2020 includes several advanced features not available in Standard 2020. Key differences include Pro-exclusive tools like Bates numbering, advanced redaction, PDF file comparison, and native macOS support. Standard 2020 provides essential PDF creation, editing, and signing tools but is strictly limited to the Windows operating system.

1
Visit the comparison page

Navigate to the official Adobe Acrobat Standard versions comparison page on the Adobe website to view a side-by-side feature matrix.

2
Check system requirements

Review the Acrobat 2020 release notes and hardware requirements to ensure full compatibility with your current Windows or Mac operating system.

3
Evaluate advanced capabilities

Look closely at the 'Security' and 'Advanced Editing' sections of the documentation to determine if you require Pro-exclusive features such as scanned document OCR editing or advanced print production tools.

Review the Official Feature Summary and Requirements
Platform Limitation: Acrobat Standard 2020 is only available for Windows. If you use an Apple Mac computer, you must opt for Acrobat Pro 2020.
Complete PDF Solution

Use WPS PDF for Comprehensive Document Editing

WPS Office includes a highly capable built-in PDF editor that allows you to view, modify, convert, and secure PDF files effortlessly. It serves as a powerful, cost-effective alternative to manage all your daily PDF and document workflows.

  1. 1. Open WPS PDF: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the home screen to access the dedicated PDF workspace.
  2. 2. Edit the Document: Click the 'Edit' button on the top ribbon menu to easily modify text, adjust images, or add new content directly to your PDF file.
  3. 3. Convert or Export: Use the 'Convert' menu option to transform your completed PDF into an editable Word document, Excel spreadsheet, or PowerPoint presentation.
Fully compatible with Adobe Acrobat PDF standards and Microsoft Office file formatsAdvanced PDF features to modify text, insert images, and organize pagesBuilt-in optical character recognition (OCR) to convert scanned PDFs into editable textSeamless and fast document conversion between PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from Acrobat Standard 2020 to Pro 2020 later?

Yes, upgrade paths are generally available from Standard to Pro, though pricing and availability for perpetual licenses depend on regional store policies. Check the official Adobe store for exact upgrade pricing.

Does Acrobat Standard 2020 support Mac?

No, Acrobat Standard 2020 is exclusively designed for Windows operating systems. Mac users must purchase Acrobat Pro 2020 to ensure compatibility.

Are Acrobat 2020 versions perpetual licenses?

Yes, both Acrobat Standard 2020 and Acrobat Pro 2020 are perpetual desktop licenses requiring only a one-time purchase, unlike Acrobat DC which utilizes a monthly or annual subscription model.

Can I use WPS Office to edit PDFs instead of purchasing Acrobat?

Absolutely. WPS Office features a robust, built-in PDF editor that allows you to easily view, annotate, edit, and convert PDF files, serving as an excellent alternative for both Windows and Mac users.