Can Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 Edit PDFs Like Acrobat XI?
Question details
The user wants to know if Acrobat Pro 2017 offers the same PDF editing capabilities as Acrobat XI and whether this perpetual-license version is still officially supported by Adobe.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Evaluating whether to upgrade from Acrobat XI to the perpetual-license Acrobat Pro 2017 for editing PDF documents without paying for a subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The user is seeking confirmation on feature parity for PDF editing, operating system compatibility, and whether Acrobat 2017 continues to receive security updates.
Please note that Adobe has officially ended support for both Acrobat XI (in 2017) and Acrobat 2017 (in 2022). Running unsupported software means you will no longer receive security patches or bug fixes, which may expose your device to vulnerabilities.
Utilize Acrobat Pro 2017 for Standard PDF Editing
Acrobat Pro 2017 includes comprehensive PDF editing features similar to Acrobat XI, though you will need to navigate a more modern, tabbed interface.
Acrobat Pro 2017 is a perpetual-license (one-time purchase) version of Adobe's PDF software. It fully supports native PDF editing, allowing users to modify text, swap images, and rearrange pages just like Acrobat XI, but its user interface closely resembles the newer Acrobat DC design.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 and open the PDF file you wish to modify.
Click on the 'Edit PDF' tool located in the right-hand pane to activate editing mode.
Click on any text block or image within the document. You can now type new text, change fonts, or resize images directly on the page.

Assess Software Support and Compatibility
Before purchasing or installing Acrobat 2017, confirm that it is compatible with your current operating system and understand the security implications of using unsupported software.
Edit PDFs Safely and Easily with WPS Office
Instead of relying on outdated and unsupported software like Acrobat XI or Acrobat 2017, you can use WPS Office to edit, convert, and manage your PDF files. It offers a secure, modern interface with robust PDF editing tools without the steep subscription fees.
- 1. Launch the PDF Editor: Open WPS Office on your device and click on the 'PDF' tab on the home screen.
- 2. Open your PDF: Click 'Open' and select the PDF document you want to modify.
- 3. Enable editing mode: Click the 'Edit' tab on the top toolbar to reveal the text and image editing tools.
- 4. Make changes and save: Click on any text or image to make your modifications, then click the 'Save' icon to preserve your changes in standard PDF format.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 still supported by Adobe?
No, Adobe officially ended core technical support and security updates for Acrobat 2017 on June 6, 2022. It will no longer receive bug fixes or security patches.
Can I still buy a perpetual license for Adobe Acrobat?
Adobe has largely shifted its focus to the subscription-based Acrobat Pro DC. While Acrobat 2020 was released as a perpetual-license version, it is also nearing the end of its official support lifecycle.
How does the Acrobat Pro 2017 interface compare to Acrobat XI?
Acrobat XI used an older, classic toolbar interface. Acrobat Pro 2017 introduced a more modern, tabbed interface with a unified 'Tools' center and a right-hand pane for accessing editing features, which is very similar to the current Acrobat DC design.




