SINCE 2013
Focused heavily on security and user collaboration.
Understanding the different versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader
For many years, this was the primary branding for the modern, cloud-connected reader. "DC" stands for Document Cloud. While Adobe has streamlined its naming, many users still refer to the current software by this name. versions of adobe reader
Open the top menu bar (Click on modern layouts, or Help on older styles). Select About Adobe Acrobat Reader .
Adobe frequently updates its software with "patches" or "dot releases" (e.g., version 11.0.23). Focused heavily on security and user collaboration
As of early 2026, Adobe primarily maintains the branding, often appended with "DC" to signify its integration with the Adobe Document Cloud .
. This version renamed the software back to "Adobe Acrobat Reader" and introduced a subscription-based "Continuous" track alongside the "Classic" perpetual track. It also returned to a tabbed interface for managing multiple documents. The AI Frontier (2024–2026) As of early 2026, Adobe has pivoted toward Generative AI While Adobe has streamlined its naming, many users
The 2020 version of Acrobat Reader is reaching its end of life on November 30, 2025. After this date, no security patches will be released, making it insecure to use.
Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile reimagines the desktop experience for touchscreens.
: Older perpetual versions like Acrobat 2020 reached their End of Support on November 30, 2025. Comparison Summary Feature Acrobat Reader Acrobat Standard Acrobat Pro Acrobat Studio Price Paid (Subscription) Paid (Subscription) Paid (Subscription) View & Comment Edit Text/Images Redact & Compare AI Assistant OS Support Win/Mac/Mobile Win/Mac/Mobile Sources: Adobe Pricing Comparison , Adobe Help Center . How to Identify Your Version
When Adobe first launched Acrobat Reader 1.0 in 1993 , the software was not free. Users had to purchase licenses individually to view PDF files. Realising that format adoption required frictionless entry, Adobe later made the Reader application freeware. Early iterations focused purely on digital replication of printed paper. Version 3.0 (1996) famously introduced basic web browser integration, form fields, and search mechanisms. The Optimization Era (Versions 5.0 to 9.0)
Focused heavily on security and user collaboration.
Understanding the different versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader
For many years, this was the primary branding for the modern, cloud-connected reader. "DC" stands for Document Cloud. While Adobe has streamlined its naming, many users still refer to the current software by this name.
Open the top menu bar (Click on modern layouts, or Help on older styles). Select About Adobe Acrobat Reader .
Adobe frequently updates its software with "patches" or "dot releases" (e.g., version 11.0.23).
As of early 2026, Adobe primarily maintains the branding, often appended with "DC" to signify its integration with the Adobe Document Cloud .
. This version renamed the software back to "Adobe Acrobat Reader" and introduced a subscription-based "Continuous" track alongside the "Classic" perpetual track. It also returned to a tabbed interface for managing multiple documents. The AI Frontier (2024–2026) As of early 2026, Adobe has pivoted toward Generative AI
The 2020 version of Acrobat Reader is reaching its end of life on November 30, 2025. After this date, no security patches will be released, making it insecure to use.
Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile reimagines the desktop experience for touchscreens.
: Older perpetual versions like Acrobat 2020 reached their End of Support on November 30, 2025. Comparison Summary Feature Acrobat Reader Acrobat Standard Acrobat Pro Acrobat Studio Price Paid (Subscription) Paid (Subscription) Paid (Subscription) View & Comment Edit Text/Images Redact & Compare AI Assistant OS Support Win/Mac/Mobile Win/Mac/Mobile Sources: Adobe Pricing Comparison , Adobe Help Center . How to Identify Your Version
When Adobe first launched Acrobat Reader 1.0 in 1993 , the software was not free. Users had to purchase licenses individually to view PDF files. Realising that format adoption required frictionless entry, Adobe later made the Reader application freeware. Early iterations focused purely on digital replication of printed paper. Version 3.0 (1996) famously introduced basic web browser integration, form fields, and search mechanisms. The Optimization Era (Versions 5.0 to 9.0)