Acrobat vs Acrobat Dc: Which Pdf Editor Reigns Supreme?
Tired of wrestling with PDFs? You’re not alone. Choosing the right PDF editor can feel like navigating a maze. Two names consistently pop up: Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Acrobat DC. But which one is the champion for your needs?
This comparison dives deep into the features, functionalities, and pricing of both Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat DC. We’ll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to uncover the ultimate PDF solution!
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a casual user, understanding the differences between these two Adobe products is crucial. We’ll break down the key aspects of each, from editing and creating PDFs to collaborating and securing your documents. Let’s find out which Acrobat version is right for you!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | acrobat | acrobat dc |
|---|---|---|
| PDF Creation | Yes | Yes |
| PDF Editing | Yes | Yes |
| Export to Other Formats | Yes | Yes |
| Document Security | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Character Recognition (OCR) | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Storage Integration | Limited | Extensive |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Collaboration Tools | Basic | Advanced |
| Electronic Signatures | Yes | Yes |
| Accessibility Features | Yes | Yes |
| Batch Processing | Yes | Yes |
| Integration with Other Adobe Products | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
User Interface
- Acrobat: The older Acrobat versions often have a more traditional, sometimes clunkier user interface. Navigation can feel less intuitive for some users. The interface can be slightly dated compared to modern design standards.
- Acrobat Dc: Acrobat DC features a modern, streamlined user interface designed for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. It offers a cleaner look and feel, with improved navigation and accessibility features.
- Winner: Acrobat DC
Cloud Integration
- Acrobat: Older versions have limited cloud integration capabilities. Sharing and accessing files across devices may be more cumbersome. Cloud storage and collaboration features are often less integrated.
- Acrobat Dc: Acrobat DC is deeply integrated with Adobe Document Cloud, allowing seamless access to files from anywhere, easy sharing, and collaborative workflows. It offers robust cloud storage and synchronization features.
- Winner: Acrobat DC
Mobile Accessibility
- Acrobat: Mobile support is often limited or less refined in older Acrobat versions. Accessing and editing PDFs on mobile devices might be challenging. The mobile experience is typically not as seamless.
- Acrobat Dc: Acrobat DC offers a dedicated mobile app with excellent PDF viewing and editing capabilities on iOS and Android devices. It provides a consistent experience across all devices.
- Winner: Acrobat DC
Collaboration Tools
- Acrobat: Collaboration features might be basic or require additional configurations in older versions. Real-time co-editing and review capabilities may be limited.
- Acrobat Dc: Acrobat DC provides robust collaboration tools, including real-time co-editing, commenting, and review features, making teamwork easier and more efficient. It integrates well with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
- Winner: Acrobat DC
Security Features
- Acrobat: Older versions offer security features, but they may be less up-to-date with the latest security standards and encryption protocols. Vulnerabilities could be more prevalent.
- Acrobat Dc: Acrobat DC has enhanced security features, including advanced encryption, password protection, and digital signatures, to protect sensitive documents. It receives regular security updates.
- Winner: Acrobat DC
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
- Acrobat: OCR capabilities are present in older versions but may be less accurate or slower. The ability to convert scanned documents to editable text may be less reliable.
- Acrobat Dc: Acrobat DC provides improved OCR accuracy and speed, allowing for more reliable conversion of scanned documents into editable and searchable text.
- Winner: Acrobat DC
Subscription Model
- Acrobat: Older versions are typically purchased as a one-time license, which can be expensive upfront. However, there are no recurring subscription fees. Features are not updated as frequently.
- Acrobat Dc: Acrobat DC is primarily available through a subscription model, offering access to the latest features and updates. This provides flexibility but results in ongoing costs.
- Winner: Acrobat DC (for Feature Updates) / Acrobat (for Perpetual License preference)
Integration with Other Adobe Products
- Acrobat: Older versions offer limited integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud products. Workflow across Adobe products might not be as seamless.
- Acrobat Dc: Acrobat DC offers tight integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, allowing for streamlined workflows and easier exchange of documents.
- Winner: Acrobat DC
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Latest Features | acrobat dc |
| Cloud Integration | acrobat dc |
| Collaboration | acrobat dc |
| Subscription Model Preference | acrobat dc |
| One-Time Purchase Preference | acrobat |
| Budget-Conscious | acrobat |
What They Have in Common:
- Pdf Creation: Both Acrobat and Acrobat DC allow users to create PDFs from various file formats and sources. They provide a foundation for document management.
- Pdf Editing: Both versions offer fundamental PDF editing capabilities, enabling users to modify text, images, and other elements within a PDF.
- Export to Other Formats: Both applications enable the conversion of PDFs into other formats such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, facilitating wider document usability.
- Document Security: Both Acrobat versions allow users to secure PDFs using password protection and permissions, limiting access and editing capabilities.
- Optical Character Recognition (ocr): Both include OCR, which converts scanned documents and images into editable and searchable text.
- Accessibility Features: Both offer features to improve the accessibility of PDF documents for users with disabilities, such as screen reader compatibility.
Acrobat Vs Acrobat DC Buying Guide
Understanding the Core Differences
Acrobat, the classic PDF editor, offers a robust suite of tools for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents. It’s a perpetual license, meaning you pay once and own the software. Acrobat DC, on the other hand, is a subscription-based service that provides all the features of Acrobat plus cloud integration, mobile access, and continuous updates. Consider your budget and long-term needs: if you prefer a one-time purchase and primarily need basic editing, Acrobat might suffice. However, if you require the latest features, cloud storage, and collaboration tools, Acrobat DC is the superior choice.
The key differences center around features and accessibility. Acrobat is a desktop application, whereas Acrobat DC offers a more integrated experience across devices. Acrobat DC also includes features like advanced OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and the ability to track and manage documents easily. Both offer essential functionalities for PDF manipulation, but Acrobat DC excels in terms of convenience and advanced capabilities. Think about your workflow and the level of integration you need to make the best decision.
Licensing Models and Pricing
The licensing models differ significantly. Acrobat is typically sold as a one-time purchase, which can be appealing for those who prefer not to pay a recurring fee. The initial cost can be higher, but there are no ongoing subscription payments. Acrobat DC, however, is subscription-based, offering various plans catering to different needs, such as individual users and businesses. The subscription model provides access to the latest features and updates without additional purchase costs. Consider your budget and long-term usage requirements when deciding between the two.
The cost of Acrobat DC can be a concern for some, but the value is often seen in the features and the convenience of having the most recent version. Compare the total cost of ownership over several years, factoring in potential upgrades for Acrobat. Evaluate your usage patterns and whether the cloud integration and mobile access provided by Acrobat DC justify the subscription cost. Consider also potential discounts for students, educators, and businesses.
Feature Comparison: Editing and Creation
Both Acrobat and Acrobat DC offer essential PDF editing capabilities, including text and image modification, page management, and form creation. Acrobat DC, however, often boasts more advanced editing features and improved OCR capabilities. Acrobat DC’s cloud integration also streamlines the creation process by allowing you to access and edit documents from any device. The level of complexity of your editing tasks will influence your decision.
For simple tasks, Acrobat is sufficient. But for complex editing, such as converting scanned documents, adding interactive elements, or collaborating in real-time, Acrobat DC is generally preferred. Acrobat DC also has some useful features that are not available on Acrobat, such as the ability to compare two PDF files and highlight the differences. Think about the types of documents you’re dealing with and the complexity of your editing needs.
Feature Comparison: Collaboration and Sharing
Collaboration and sharing are crucial in today’s work environment. Both Acrobat and Acrobat DC allow users to share PDFs, but Acrobat DC excels in this area. Acrobat DC offers seamless integration with cloud services, enabling easy sharing and real-time collaboration with multiple users. Acrobat DC also provides features like document tracking and version control, which are vital for efficient teamwork. Both support commenting and markup tools.
Acrobat, while allowing document sharing, lacks some of the advanced collaboration features found in Acrobat DC. If you frequently collaborate on documents, especially with remote teams, Acrobat DC’s cloud-based collaboration tools are a significant advantage. Acrobat DC allows you to track who has viewed and edited the document. Consider the importance of real-time collaboration and version control when choosing between these two options.
Integration with Other Software
Both Acrobat and Acrobat DC integrate well with other software, but Acrobat DC’s cloud-based nature enhances this integration. Acrobat DC seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, streamlining workflows for designers and creative professionals. It also integrates with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, making it easy to access and manage PDF documents from various sources. Acrobat, too, integrates with other software but not as comprehensively as Acrobat DC.
Consider the software you already use and the need for a seamless workflow. If you’re a heavy user of Adobe Creative Cloud apps, Acrobat DC’s integration offers significant benefits. The capacity for integration of Acrobat DC extends to other file formats and software, for example, Microsoft Office. Think about your existing workflow and how each option fits into your current and future needs.
Mobile Accessibility and Cloud Storage
Acrobat DC offers significantly better mobile accessibility than Acrobat. Acrobat DC provides mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to view, edit, and sign PDFs on the go. Its cloud integration allows documents to be synchronized across devices, ensuring that you always have access to the latest versions. This is a very significant advantage for Acrobat DC.
Acrobat, without the cloud integration, is less mobile-friendly. You’ll need to transfer files manually to your mobile devices. If you frequently work on the move, Acrobat DC’s mobile apps and cloud storage features are essential. Cloud storage also provides an extra layer of security, as your documents are backed up. Consider the frequency with which you will need to access your PDFs on mobile devices.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy acrobat If…
- You need a perpetual license and prefer a one-time purchase.
- You don’t need the latest features and cloud integrations.
- Your document workflows are relatively simple.
- You are on a tight budget.
Buy acrobat dc If…
- You want the latest features and regular updates.
- You need seamless cloud integration and access from any device.
- Collaboration and real-time document sharing are essential.
- You prefer a subscription model with access to the full suite of features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary differences between Acrobat and Acrobat DC?
Acrobat is a one-time purchase with desktop-based software. Acrobat DC is subscription-based, offering cloud integration, mobile access, and continuous updates, including advanced OCR and collaboration features. Acrobat is the older version, while Acrobat DC is the latest version.
Can I still use Acrobat if I don’t have an internet connection?
Yes, Acrobat can be used offline. Acrobat DC also has offline functionality, but its cloud-based features require an internet connection. Most of the features in both can be used without the internet, but some features will be unavailable.
What are the benefits of using Acrobat DC?
Acrobat DC offers cloud storage, mobile access, real-time collaboration, and continuous updates. Its advanced features, like improved OCR and document tracking, make it a more versatile and convenient solution for many users. It allows you to work from anywhere.
Is Acrobat DC more expensive than Acrobat?
Yes, Acrobat DC has an ongoing subscription fee, while Acrobat has a one-time purchase price. Over time, the subscription model of Acrobat DC can be more costly. The choice depends on your usage and need for the advanced features that come with Acrobat DC.
Does Acrobat DC offer better security features than Acrobat?
Both Acrobat and Acrobat DC offer robust security features, including password protection and digital signatures. Acrobat DC offers enhanced cloud-based security and more frequent updates to address potential vulnerabilities. Both versions allow you to protect your PDFs.
Which version is better for collaboration?
Acrobat DC is significantly better for collaboration due to its cloud integration and real-time sharing capabilities. Features like document tracking, commenting, and version control make it ideal for teamwork. Acrobat does offer some collaboration tools, but they are not as advanced.
Can I convert scanned documents using both Acrobat and Acrobat DC?
Yes, both versions offer OCR capabilities to convert scanned documents into editable PDFs. Acrobat DC, however, often provides more advanced and accurate OCR, along with better integration and features for managing scanned documents. Both are able to handle the task.
Final Verdict
Acrobat remains a viable option for users with basic PDF needs and a preference for a one-time purchase. However, Acrobat DC’s cloud integration, advanced features, and continuous updates provide a superior experience, especially for users who require collaboration, mobile access, and cutting-edge functionality. While the subscription model may be a deterrent for some, the added value, especially for business users, makes Acrobat DC the clear winner.
Winner: Acrobat DC