Fix Acrobat Pro DC Crashing When Combining PDFs on macOS Big Sur
Question details
Users experience unexpected application crashes when attempting to combine multiple PDF files into a single document on Mac.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur 11.1
- Scenario
- Combining multiple PDF files into a single document.
- Observed behavior
- The application consistently crashes during the file combination process, specifically reported on older builds like version 20.13.20074.
Before troubleshooting, ensure you have saved any open documents and verify your current Acrobat Pro DC version by checking 'About Adobe Acrobat' in the Apple menu bar.
Update Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to the Latest Version
Outdated application builds often experience compatibility issues with macOS Big Sur. Installing the latest update typically resolves known crashing bugs.
Version 20.13.20074 has known stability issues with the Combine Files tool on macOS 11.1. Updating patches these memory management errors.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC on your Mac.
Navigate to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' in the top menu bar.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest patch compatible with macOS Big Sur.
Restart your Mac to ensure all updated application files are properly initialized before testing the Combine Files feature again.
Test with Smaller PDF Documents
Heavy or corrupted PDF files can overwhelm the application's memory during the merging process, causing a crash.
Reinstall Acrobat Pro DC
If updating does not resolve the crashes, the core application files might be corrupted and require a clean installation.
Combine PDFs Smoothly on Mac Using WPS Office
Avoid frustrating application crashes on macOS Big Sur by using WPS Office to merge your PDF files. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly stable PDF toolkit that works seamlessly on Mac devices.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and switch to the PDF tools section.
- 2. Select Merge PDF: Click on 'Merge PDF' from the available PDF editing tools.
- 3. Add Your Files: Drag and drop the PDF files you want to combine into the workspace.
- 4. Merge and Save: Click 'Merge' and choose a destination folder to save your newly combined PDF document safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat Pro DC crash on macOS Big Sur?
The crash is typically caused by compatibility issues between older versions of Acrobat (like build 20.13.20074) and the memory management system of macOS 11.1 when processing complex file merges.
Can I combine PDFs on Mac without third-party software?
Yes, you can use the built-in Preview app on macOS. Open your first PDF in Preview, choose 'View' > 'Thumbnails' to open the sidebar, and drag the second PDF file directly into the sidebar to merge them.
How do I find my current Acrobat Pro DC version on Mac?
Open Acrobat Pro DC, click on 'Acrobat Pro' in the top-left Apple menu bar, and select 'About Adobe Acrobat Pro'. A new window will appear displaying your current release version.
Does WPS Office support PDF merging on Mac?
Yes, WPS Office offers a comprehensive suite of PDF tools specifically optimized for Mac users, allowing you to easily merge, split, annotate, and edit PDF files without experiencing compatibility crashes.
