Best Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 and DC for PDF Forms
Question details
The user is seeking reliable software alternatives to Adobe Acrobat 2017 Pro and Acrobat DC specifically for creating fillable PDF forms, completing forms, and printing documents to PDF.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Finding a suitable replacement for Adobe Acrobat to handle essential PDF form creation, filling, and printing tasks due to layout changes or workflow preferences.
- Observed behavior
- The user finds the Adobe Acrobat DC layout unsuitable and wants to transition to a different PDF application that reliably supports essential PDF form and printing features without the steep learning curve.
Before switching to a new PDF application, evaluate your specific daily workflows to determine whether you only need to fill out forms or if you require advanced capabilities like creating complex fillable fields from scratch.
Evaluate Dedicated PDF Software Alternatives
Switching to an alternative PDF suite is the most effective way to avoid the layout of Acrobat DC while retaining core functionalities like form filling and PDF printing.
Many modern PDF editors offer robust functionality that rivals Adobe Acrobat, often with cleaner, more intuitive user interfaces and more flexible pricing.
Make a checklist of your essential features, specifically focusing on interactive form completion, form field creation, and virtual 'Print to PDF' capabilities.
Download trial versions or free alternatives, such as WPS PDF, and open your existing complex PDF forms to verify that interactive fields display and function correctly.
Open a standard text document or spreadsheet in the alternative software and test the 'Print to PDF' function to ensure it maintains high-quality document formatting.
Revert to an Older Version of Adobe Acrobat
If you strongly prefer the traditional interface of older versions, you can download legacy Adobe installers, provided you have a valid perpetual license.
Use WPS PDF to Fill Forms and Print Documents
WPS Office includes a powerful, built-in PDF editor that serves as an excellent, lightweight alternative to Adobe Acrobat. It allows you to effortlessly fill out interactive PDF forms, edit text, and print to PDF with a familiar and user-friendly interface.
- 1. Install the software: Download and install WPS Office Free on your Windows, Mac, or Linux device.
- 2. Open your form: Launch WPS Office and open your existing PDF file using the built-in WPS PDF tool.
- 3. Fill the PDF form: Click directly on the interactive form fields to type your information or select from dropdown menus.
- 4. Print to PDF: To print any document as a PDF, go to 'Menu' > 'Print' and select 'WPS PDF' from the printer list to generate a high-quality PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still download Adobe Acrobat 2017 Pro?
Yes, older installers are often available through Adobe's official FTP servers or specific legacy download pages. However, you must possess a valid perpetual license key, as newer subscription logins will not activate legacy versions.
Do free alternatives to Adobe Acrobat support fillable PDF forms?
Yes, high-quality alternatives like WPS PDF fully support reading, interacting with, and saving standard interactive PDF forms (AcroForms) originally created in Adobe Acrobat.
How do I print a document to PDF without Adobe Acrobat?
Most modern operating systems natively include a 'Print to PDF' virtual printer. Additionally, alternative office suites like WPS Office feature their own built-in virtual PDF printers accessible directly from the standard Print dialog.
Are there security risks in using old versions of Adobe Acrobat?
Yes, legacy software like Acrobat 2017 has reached its end of life and no longer receives security patches. Using it to open external or untrusted PDFs can pose significant security risks to your device.
