Can Acrobat DC Users Edit PDFs Created in Acrobat Pro DC?
Question details
The user needs to know whether individuals using Acrobat Standard DC or the free Acrobat Reader DC can add comments, callouts, and strikethroughs to PDF documents originally generated in Acrobat Pro DC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a PDF created in a premium PDF editor with colleagues or clients who use standard or free PDF viewers, and requiring them to leave feedback via comments and markup.
- Observed behavior
- Users want to confirm that standard commenting features function correctly across different Acrobat DC versions without needing to apply special reader extensions.
Verify which version of Adobe Acrobat the recipient is using (Reader, Standard, or Pro), as advanced text editing requires paid versions, while standard commenting is widely supported for free.
Review Commenting and Editing Capabilities in Acrobat DC Versions
Understand the built-in compatibility for commenting across Acrobat Pro DC, Standard DC, and Reader DC.
In modern versions of Acrobat (DC versions), Reader Extensions are no longer required to allow standard commenting. Anyone receiving your PDF can add basic comments, regardless of which DC version they use.
However, it is important to distinguish between commenting and full text editing. While commenting (callouts, strikethroughs, highlights) is available in the free Acrobat Reader DC, modifying the actual text or images requires paid versions like Acrobat Standard DC or Acrobat Pro DC.
Determine if the person reviewing the PDF is using Acrobat Pro DC (paid), Acrobat Standard DC (paid), or Acrobat Reader DC (free).
Save your PDF in Acrobat Pro DC and share it directly. You do not need to enable special 'Reader Extensions' for standard commenting features to work in the recipient's software.
Instruct the recipient to open the PDF in Acrobat Reader DC and navigate to the 'Comment' tool in the right pane to add text boxes, callouts, and strikethroughs.
Easily Edit and Annotate Any PDF with WPS Office
Whether a PDF was created in Acrobat Pro DC or another application, WPS Office provides a powerful, built-in PDF editor to view, comment, and fully edit PDF documents without compatibility issues.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office and open the application on your device.
- 2. Open your PDF: Click on 'Open' in the main dashboard and select the PDF document you want to edit or review.
- 3. Access Commenting Tools: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab on the top ribbon to access tools for highlights, text boxes, and strikethroughs.
- 4. Save and Share: After adding your markups, click 'Save' or press Ctrl+S to preserve your comments and share the file with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to enable Reader Extensions in Acrobat Pro DC for others to comment?
No, in the current DC versions of Acrobat, Reader Extensions are no longer required. Users can add standard comments and markups in the free Acrobat Reader DC natively.
What is the difference between Acrobat Pro, Standard, and Reader?
Acrobat Reader is a free viewer with basic commenting capabilities. Acrobat Standard is a paid version that allows for creating and basic editing of PDFs. Acrobat Pro is the premium paid version that includes advanced features like redaction, OCR, and interactive forms.
Can I edit the actual text in a PDF using the free Acrobat Reader?
No, Acrobat Reader only allows for viewing, commenting, and signing documents. To edit existing text, images, or page layouts, you need a paid PDF editor or a robust alternative like WPS Office.
