Acrobat XI vs. Acrobat DC: Which is Better for Creating PDF Forms?
Question details
The user wants to compare Adobe Acrobat XI and Acrobat DC to determine which version is better suited for creating and editing fillable PDF forms, applications, and signatures.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Evaluating and choosing the right PDF editor version for creating fillable forms, scanning, and managing electronic signatures.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to understand the feature differences, such as form authoring capabilities, subscription requirements, and legacy support, to make an informed decision.
Note that Adobe officially discontinued Acrobat XI, meaning it no longer receives crucial security updates or advanced cloud functionality.
Evaluate Acrobat DC for Modern PDF Form Creation
Acrobat DC is the recommended choice for modern PDF form creation, offering advanced cloud integration, comprehensive e-signatures, and superior scanning tools.
Acrobat DC introduces advanced features for scanning, formatting, and creating fillable forms that are not available in older versions. It provides superior flexibility, allowing users to place text boxes, checkmarks, or signature fields anywhere on a page, even if the document wasn't originally formatted as a fillable form.
Check Acrobat DC for its advanced text fields, integrated e-signatures, and seamless cloud connectivity which improve form management.
Download the trial version of Acrobat DC directly from Adobe to test the form creation workflow and ensure it meets your requirements.
Note that unlike older versions, maintaining access to the full suite of advanced form creation features in Acrobat DC requires an ongoing subscription.
Understand Acrobat XI Capabilities and Limitations
Acrobat XI can still handle basic PDF forms but lacks modern scanning capabilities, cloud integration, and ongoing technical support.
Create and Edit PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office
If you are looking for a modern, cost-effective tool to handle PDF forms without expensive subscriptions, WPS Office provides a comprehensive built-in PDF editor. You can easily create fillable forms, add signatures, and edit PDF text with high format compatibility.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and click on 'PDF Edit' to open your existing PDF document or create a new one.
- 2. Access form tools: Navigate to the 'Form' tab on the top toolbar to reveal the comprehensive form creation and editing tools.
- 3. Insert form fields: Click to add interactive elements such as 'Text Fields', 'Checkboxes', or 'Drop-down Lists' directly onto your document.
- 4. Fill and sign: Use the built-in 'Fill & Sign' feature to easily complete non-fillable forms or insert your secure electronic signature.
- 5. Save and distribute: Save your completed fillable PDF. The formatting will remain perfectly intact for anyone opening it on other standard PDF readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy Adobe Acrobat XI for creating PDF forms?
Adobe officially stopped selling and supporting Acrobat XI when Acrobat DC was released. While you might find legacy copies through third-party resellers, it is discouraged to use discontinued software for handling sensitive forms due to the lack of security updates.
Does Acrobat DC require a subscription to create forms?
Yes, while you can use the free Adobe Reader to fill out and sign existing forms, creating, editing, and formatting advanced fillable PDF forms requires a paid Adobe Acrobat Pro DC subscription.
How do I fill out a PDF form that isn't interactive?
In modern PDF editors like Acrobat DC or WPS Office, you can use the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Add Text' tools to manually place text boxes, checkmarks, and electronic signatures anywhere on a static PDF page.
Why are my Arabic PDF documents not converting correctly to Word in Acrobat XI?
Acrobat XI lacks the advanced OCR and continuous language support updates found in newer software. Converting complex scripts like Arabic to Word often results in display errors, which can generally be resolved by upgrading to modern PDF tools like WPS Office or Acrobat DC.
