Fix Acrobat X PDFMaker Add-in Not Working with Office 2013
Question details
The user is experiencing a COM add-in runtime error with the Acrobat X PDFMaker add-in in Office 2013, preventing it from loading or appearing on the Word, Excel, and Outlook ribbons.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat X, Microsoft Office 2013
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to create PDFs using the Acrobat X PDFMaker add-in within Microsoft Office 2013 applications.
- Observed behavior
- The add-in fails to appear on the ribbon in Word and Excel, and produces a COM add-in runtime error when opened in Outlook.
Check the bit-architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) of both your Windows OS and Office 2013 installation, as mismatched versions often cause COM add-in failures.
Update Acrobat X or Upgrade to Acrobat XI
Acrobat X lacks native support for Office 2013 upon initial release. Applying the latest updates or upgrading is the most reliable fix.
Official compatibility with Office 2013 was only introduced starting with Acrobat XI (version 11.0.1). Acrobat X may function partially if fully updated, but upgrading ensures full support and integration.
Open Adobe Acrobat X on your computer, navigate to the 'Help' menu, and click on 'Check for Updates'.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install the latest available patches for version 10.0.0.
If the COM add-in still produces an error, upgrade your software to Adobe Acrobat XI or a newer version to guarantee full Office 2013 compatibility.
Use Built-in PDF Alternatives
Bypass the COM add-in completely by using the built-in print or export features to create PDFs.
Apply a Registry Tweak for the Outlook Add-in
Force the PDFMaker add-in to load by modifying the Windows Registry, particularly useful for 64-bit Windows with 32-bit Office.
Convert Documents to PDF Seamlessly with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with broken COM add-ins and compatibility errors? WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that features native, one-click PDF conversion built directly into the software. Enjoy a familiar interface, seamless document handling, and powerful PDF tools without needing third-party plugins.
- 1. Open your file: Launch WPS Office and open your text document, spreadsheet, or presentation.
- 2. Export to PDF: Click the 'Export to PDF' button directly on the main toolbar.
- 3. Save document: Select your save location and click 'Export' to generate a perfect PDF instantly without plugin errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the Acrobat PDFMaker appear in the Office 2013 ribbon?
Acrobat X was released prior to Office 2013 and lacks native support for its ribbon interface. Official support for Office 2013 was introduced later with Acrobat XI (version 11.0.1).
What does the COM add-in runtime error mean in Outlook?
This error usually indicates an architecture mismatch (e.g., using 64-bit Windows with 32-bit Office without a proper registry bridge) or an outdated add-in version that Office 2013 blocks from loading due to compatibility concerns.
Can I create PDFs in Office 2013 without PDFMaker?
Yes, Office 2013 includes a built-in 'Save As PDF' and 'Export to PDF' feature. You can also select 'Adobe PDF' from your list of printers when using the standard Print menu.
