Other PDF Issues

What's New in the May 2020 Adobe Acrobat DC Update

Bushra ParveenBushra Parveen Nov 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users want to explore and understand the new tools, security enhancements, and UI improvements introduced in the May 2020 release of Adobe Acrobat DC.

What's New in the May 2020 Adobe Acrobat DC Update
Product
Adobe Acrobat DC
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Navigating the software interface to test newly added features like Protected Mode and improved redaction workflows.
Observed behavior
The update features contextual help, optional Protected Mode sandboxing, redesigned redaction tools, streamlined Fill & Sign, improved page thumbnail actions, and automatic access to the Comments pane.
Before you start

Ensure your Adobe Acrobat DC application is fully updated to the May 2020 release or newer to access these tools.

Solution 1Recommended

How to Use the New May 2020 Acrobat DC Features

Follow these steps to access and test the major enhancements introduced in the update, including security and redaction features.

The May 2020 update focuses on improving document security, streamlining workflows, and making help documentation easier to access directly within the app.

1
Access Contextual Help

To get immediate assistance related to the tool you are using, open contextual help by navigating to the Help menu, clicking the Help icon in the toolbar, or simply pressing the F1 key on your keyboard.

2
Enable Protected Mode Sandboxing

To test the new security sandbox, go to Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced). Check the box for 'Enable Protected Mode at Startup (Preview)' and restart Adobe Acrobat to apply the enhanced security measures.

3
Use Redesigned Redaction Tools

Navigate to the updated redaction workflows by selecting 'Redact Text & Images' to hide sensitive information, or use 'Sanitize Document' to strip hidden metadata and personal data from your PDF.

How to Use the New May 2020 Acrobat DC Features
Update Requirements: Some features like the Protected Mode sandboxing may be marked as 'Preview', meaning they are still being optimized for general use.
Powerful PDF Editor

Manage, Redact, and Sign PDFs Easily with WPS Office

If you need a fast, reliable, and cost-effective way to handle advanced PDF tasks, WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF editor. Enjoy seamless Fill & Sign functionality, secure document protection, and advanced reading features in one lightweight suite.

  1. 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
  2. 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS PDF and open the document you wish to edit, sign, or redact.
  3. 3. Use Advanced PDF Tools: Navigate to the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tabs on the top ribbon to easily add signatures, redact sensitive information, or encrypt your file.
Free and lightweight PDF editing and viewingFull format compatibility with Adobe PDF documentsIntuitive Fill & Sign and document security featuresCross-platform support for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Protected Mode sandboxing in Adobe Acrobat?

Protected Mode is a security feature that confines the execution of PDF files to a restricted sandbox environment, preventing malicious code or infected documents from making harmful changes to your computer's operating system.

How do I access the new redaction tools?

You can access the redesigned redaction tools by opening the Tools menu and selecting 'Redact Text & Images' to black out text, or 'Sanitize Document' to permanently remove hidden metadata.

Did the May 2020 update change the Fill & Sign feature?

Yes, the update streamlined the Fill & Sign experience, requiring fewer clicks to access signature tools and making it easier to fill out form fields directly on your PDF pages.

Where is the contextual help located in Acrobat DC?

Contextual help is designed to give you information relevant to the specific tool you are currently using. You can trigger it anytime by pressing F1, clicking the Help icon in the top toolbar, or via the Help menu.