Can Adobe Acrobat Pro and Reader Be Installed on the Same Computer?
Question details
The user wants to know if they can run both Adobe Acrobat Pro and Adobe Reader concurrently as standalone applications on a single PC to test how PDF forms will behave for standard Reader end users.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Testing fillable PDF forms or reviewing PDF documents exactly as a standard Reader end user would experience them.
- Observed behavior
- Modern Adobe Acrobat uses a unified application where Pro and Reader features are merged based on the active license, preventing users from maintaining separate contemporary installations.
Check whether your current Adobe Acrobat installation is the unified 64-bit version, as Adobe has consolidated the Pro and Reader applications into a single program for modern operating systems.
Sign Out of Acrobat Pro to Access Reader Functionality
Adobe's unified application limits features to standard Reader when no Pro license is detected on the account.
Modern Acrobat versions combine Pro and Reader architectures into a single executable. When signed in with a paid Creative Cloud or Acrobat subscription, the Pro features unlock. When signed out, the application naturally reverts to functioning as the free Reader.
Launch your unified Adobe Acrobat application from your desktop or Start menu.
Click on your profile icon or picture located in the top right corner of the application window.
Select 'Sign Out' from the dropdown menu to deactivate your Pro features temporarily.
Open your fillable PDF form to test it with the restricted feature set of a standard end user.
Test PDFs Using a Virtual Machine or Separate Device
Running a completely isolated environment guarantees you are experiencing the exact behavior a standard Reader user would without constantly signing in and out.
Install Legacy 32-Bit Versions (Unsupported)
Older 32-bit versions of Acrobat and Reader could exist side-by-side, though this method is deprecated.
Easily Manage and Test PDF Forms with WPS Office
Instead of struggling with Adobe's unified application limits and frustrating sign-out processes, use WPS Office. It includes a powerful, lightweight PDF editor that lets you view, edit, and fill out PDF forms smoothly. It operates entirely independently, allowing you to seamlessly test document compatibility without dealing with complicated enterprise account toggles.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Navigate to the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Open WPS PDF: Launch the application and select the 'PDF' tab to access the dedicated PDF reading and editing tools.
- 3. Load your form: Click 'Open' and select your fillable PDF form directly within the application workspace.
- 4. Test functionality: Test the form fields, text inputs, and layout exactly as a standard user would, then save your changes effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adobe combine Acrobat Pro and Reader into one application?
Adobe moved to a unified 64-bit architecture to simplify software updates, deployment, and overall application management. The software now detects your subscription status automatically and enables Pro features if you are signed in with a paid account, or limits you to basic Reader features if you are not.
Can I force Adobe Acrobat to open a PDF in standard Reader mode without signing out?
Currently, there is no built-in toggle switch to instantly jump back and forth between Pro and Reader modes within the same active session. You must either sign out of your profile or use a different device or virtual machine to experience the restricted standard Reader mode.
Is it safe to use the 32-bit standalone versions of Acrobat and Reader?
It is generally not recommended. Legacy 32-bit versions are outdated, no longer receive essential security patches from Adobe, and may conflict or crash when running on modern 64-bit operating systems.
Will my Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription let me test standard Reader functionalities on another computer?
Yes, your subscription allows you to have two concurrently active devices. However, if you want to test pure Reader functionalities on a secondary computer, you should ensure Creative Cloud or Acrobat is not actively signed in on that specific device so it defaults to standard Reader mode.
