PDF Opening Issues

Fix Adobe Export PDF Not Working After macOS High Sierra Update

Huda QurayshiHuda Qurayshi Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open or use Adobe Document Cloud and Export PDF services on a MacBook after an OS update.

Fix Adobe Export PDF Not Working After macOS High Sierra Update
Product
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Device & OS
macOS High Sierra
Scenario
Attempting to access, view, or export PDF files using Adobe subscription services on a Mac.
Observed behavior
Adobe Document Cloud and Export PDF fail to open or function properly on macOS High Sierra, despite working correctly on Windows computers.
Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as cloud-based PDF export services require web access to verify your subscription and process the files.

Solution 1Recommended

Re-authenticate Your Account and Restart

Refresh your login state and use the web browser to bypass local macOS application cache issues.

Upgrading to macOS High Sierra can sometimes cause synchronization errors with Adobe's local application credentials. Signing out and using the web service can help isolate and resolve the issue.

1
Use a Supported Web Browser

Open Safari or Google Chrome, navigate to the Adobe Document Cloud web portal, and sign in with the correct Adobe ID to access Export PDF.

2
Sign Out of Adobe Reader

Open the Adobe Reader application on your Mac, click on your profile or the Help menu, and select 'Sign Out'.

3
Check for Software Updates

Go to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' within Adobe Reader to ensure you have the latest version compatible with High Sierra.

4
Restart and Sign Back In

Restart your Mac. Open Adobe Reader again and sign back in with your Adobe ID to re-sync your Document Cloud services.

Re-authenticate Your Account and Restart
Adobe Support: If PDFs still will not open after these steps, refer to Adobe's official PDF opening troubleshooting guide for further OS-specific fixes.
Try a Reliable PDF Alternative

View and Export PDFs Easily with WPS Office

If cloud-based PDF services continue to fail on your Mac, WPS Office provides a powerful built-in PDF reader and editor. It works natively on macOS, allowing you to view, edit, and export PDFs offline without relying on external cloud processing.

  1. 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for Mac from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
  2. 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select the PDF document you need to view or edit.
  3. 3. Export the PDF: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab and select 'PDF to Word' or other conversion options to instantly export your file.
Native support for macOS without cloud-sync login errorsEasily view, edit, and export PDFs to editable formats locallyHighly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard PDFsLightweight application that runs smoothly on all macOS versions
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Adobe Export PDF stop working after I updated my Mac?

Major OS updates like macOS High Sierra can disrupt local application caches, alter security permissions, or cause compatibility issues with older versions of Adobe Reader, blocking its connection to cloud services.

Can I use Adobe Export PDF without the desktop app on my Mac?

Yes, Adobe Export PDF is a cloud-based service. You can access all of its features by logging into your Adobe account through a standard web browser.

Does WPS Office on Mac support exporting PDFs to Word?

Yes, WPS Office for Mac includes a built-in PDF conversion tool that allows you to seamlessly turn PDF documents into fully editable Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without needing an extra subscription.