Fix Acrobat Pro 2017 Crashing When Certifying PDF on macOS
Question details
The user needs to resolve an application crash that occurs when attempting to certify a document.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- macOS High Sierra
- Scenario
- Attempting to add a certificate or digital signature to a PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- The application window turns completely black and the program crashes immediately upon attempting to certify the PDF.
Ensure you have saved all open files in other applications and make a backup copy of the PDF you are trying to certify to prevent data corruption during the crash.
Isolate the File and Update Software
Determine if the crash is caused by a corrupted PDF file or outdated software versions.
A common cause for crashes during PDF certification is a structurally corrupted document or an outdated application version that is incompatible with the current macOS environment.
Open a completely different, preferably newly created, PDF document in Acrobat Pro 2017 and attempt to add a signature or certify it. If it succeeds, your original file is likely corrupted.
Click 'Help' in the top menu bar and select 'Check for Updates' to ensure your Adobe software has the latest bug fixes installed.
Click the Apple menu, go to 'System Preferences', select 'Software Update', and install any pending updates for your macOS High Sierra system.
Run macOS System Troubleshooting
Resolve potential background conflicts or permission issues on your Mac.
Easily Sign and Certify PDFs with WPS Office
If Acrobat Pro continues to crash on your Mac, you can use WPS Office as a fast, stable, and lightweight alternative to view, sign, and certify your PDF documents without interruptions.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and drag your PDF file into the application window to open it.
- 2. Navigate to the Protect tab: Click on the 'Protect' tab in the top ribbon menu to access the security and signature features.
- 3. Certify the document: Select the 'Sign Document' or 'Digital Signature' option, choose your existing certificate, and apply it to the PDF securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Acrobat window turn black when certifying a PDF?
A black screen typically indicates a graphics rendering failure or a severe memory conflict, often triggered by an incompatibility between the specific Acrobat version and macOS High Sierra.
How can I fix a corrupted PDF that causes crashes?
If only one specific PDF causes the crash, try opening the PDF in a web browser or another PDF viewer, and use the 'Print to PDF' function to create a fresh, uncorrupted copy of the document before trying to certify it again.
Where can I find my exact Acrobat Pro version on Mac?
Open Adobe Acrobat Pro, click on 'Acrobat Pro' in the top macOS menu bar (next to the Apple logo), and select 'About Adobe Acrobat Pro'. A dialog box will appear displaying your exact version and build number.
