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Way More Than Just a "Reader" at a Cost That Can't Get Any Lower
November 29, 2021

Way More Than Just a "Reader" at a Cost That Can't Get Any Lower

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

In an organization where users are operating on computers, tablets, and phones with different operating systems, screen sizes, and office software, Adobe Acrobat Reader has allowed us to quickly and easily share content without the worry of losing the intended appearance. In recent years, the functionality added by the Fill & Sign toolbar makes Acrobat reader even more useful to the company. For most users who don't require the full functionality of being able to create forms and do advance editing in Acrobat Pro, the Fill & Sign options in Acrobat Reader allow for the adding of text and basic markup to PDF documents as well as storing two types of signatures for quick document signing. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is also a very good option for collaboration on documents saved in PDF format. The expanded toolset included with the Comments toolbar allows users to add notes, status stamps (e.g revised, approved), draw shapes and illustrations, and even attach files or audio recordings to a PDF document. The document is also easily shared using Adobe cloud and all the markup left by users is organized into a summary panel that can be easily reviewed and actioned by the document's creator.
  • Easy document sharing for viewing on all device types regardless of the document source.
  • Provides a rich toolset for document collaboration and markup while preserving the original.
  • Simplifies the document signature process for users without the need of expensive software.
  • Being able to add image "stamps" to a document is a little tricky as the stamp has to already be in PDF format (at least on Mac) to work. This mean you have to convert the image to PDF before you can use it as a stamp.
  • Being only able to save one signature and one set of initials is a bit of a pain but you can actually use stamps if you need different versions frequently used scribbles for various reasons. The stamp won't secure the document and prevent future changes the same way the signature would though.
  • All of the other features you might want to use are only included with Acrobat Pro but the options are all displayed in the Reader app. When clicked they will offer the free trial that leads to a paid subscription. This is more of an annoyance but you can't fault Adobe for trying to make a sale.
  • Saved signatures for quick document singing without having to print, sign, and scan documents. This has enabled us to go almost paperless without spending a fortune on software.
  • Consistent document appearance across devices has made it easier to share information with both external and internal stakeholders regardless of the data source.
  • Digitized contract signing has also changed the way we do business in the environment where face to face meetings were at one point impossible.
  • We're definitely spending less on printer supplies now.
  • The physical presence barrier to contract signing has been removed.
  • Time for administrative approval tasks has also been reduced.
  • Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)
The Word app included with Office 365 offers similar collaboration functionality when compared to Adobe reader but with the option to fully change the original document while reviewing. This is both an advantage and disadvantage when compared with the Adobe reader app. Documents left in the Microsoft Word format also have a tendency to appear different depending on screen size and device used and this can be frustrating for some users. Basically, if you need what you have created and formatted to stay put and to appear as you intended and be printed as you intended if needed, use the Adobe PDF format.

Do you think Adobe Acrobat Reader delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Adobe Acrobat Reader's feature set?

Yes

Did Adobe Acrobat Reader live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Adobe Acrobat Reader go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Adobe Acrobat Reader again?

Yes

For standard users who only need to view and print PDF documents Adobe reader is the ideal solution. If there are users in your organization who may only need to review and sign PDF documents or maybe offer comments or suggestions to existing documents then Adobe Reader is also a good solution for them and there is no need to upgrade. However, if you need the ability to create fillable forms from other office documents or existing PDF documents then you will need to upgrade to the Pro version. You will also need to upgrade to the Acrobat pro version if you need the ability to change text which exists in a PDF document or to alter the layout of an existing PDF document. Finally if you have PDF documents that need to be converted back to the original Microsoft Word format for full editing, you also need the Acrobat Pro upgrade to be able to do this.