Fix Adobe Acrobat DC Crashing on macOS Big Sur
Question details
Adobe Acrobat DC fails to launch and crashes continuously after upgrading the Mac operating system.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur (MacBook Pro)
- Scenario
- Launching the Adobe Acrobat DC application after installing a major macOS system update.
- Observed behavior
- The application stops launching and generates a crash report showing an EXC_CRASH error with a CODESIGNING termination reason.
Before troubleshooting, ensure you have saved any open work and backed up your essential PDF documents. It is also recommended to verify that your macOS Big Sur is fully updated with the latest Apple security patches.
Reset Adobe Acrobat DC Preferences
Resetting preferences clears corrupted configuration files that may be causing the code-signing error on macOS.
Corrupted preference files are a common cause of application crashes after a macOS upgrade. Clearing these files forces Acrobat to generate fresh, error-free configurations upon the next launch.
Open Finder, hold down the 'Option' key on your keyboard, and click 'Go' > 'Library' in the top Apple menu bar.
Navigate to the 'Preferences' folder within the Library and locate files starting with 'com.adobe.Acrobat'.
Select the Adobe Acrobat preference files and move them to the Trash.
Restart your Mac, then try launching Adobe Acrobat DC again to see if the crashing issue is resolved.
Update or Reinstall Adobe Acrobat DC
If a preference reset fails, updating to a version fully compatible with macOS Big Sur or performing a clean installation is required.
Edit PDFs Smoothly on Mac with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat DC continues to crash on your macOS Big Sur, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative that features a familiar user interface, seamless migration, and built-in professional PDF viewing and editing tools.
- 1. Install WPS Office for Mac: Download the WPS Office installer for macOS from the official website and complete the installation process.
- 2. Open the PDF Tools: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the home screen to access the dedicated PDF workspace.
- 3. Import and Edit: Drag and drop your PDF file into the application window to start reading, annotating, or editing immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat DC show a CODESIGNING error on macOS Big Sur?
This error occurs when macOS strict security protocols detect that the application's digital signature is missing, invalid, or corrupted during the update process, causing the operating system to immediately force-quit the application for security reasons.
Will reinstalling macOS Big Sur fix the Adobe Acrobat crash?
Reinstalling the entire macOS is usually unnecessary. The issue is typically isolated to Adobe Acrobat's localized preference files or an outdated application version. Reinstalling or updating Acrobat itself is the most effective approach.
Are my PDF files safe if Adobe Acrobat keeps crashing?
Yes, your PDF files are saved independently from the application on your local hard drive or cloud storage. An application crash does not typically affect or corrupt closed files already stored securely on your Mac.
Can I use another application to open my PDFs while Acrobat is down?
Yes, macOS includes a built-in 'Preview' app for basic PDF viewing and markup. For more advanced features, you can use comprehensive third-party alternatives like WPS Office to read, annotate, and edit your PDFs without compatibility issues.
