Acrobat (Adobe)

Function

Adobe Acrobat is document formatting and management software for Windows and Apple/Mac systems.  It allows creation, editing and viewing of PDF-format documents, as well as other functions (see Additional Considerations below).

Access

Acrobat is client software that is installed on your computer.  We have a site license that provides for free copies for UM affiliates. Mac and PC versions can be downloaded via our Software Downloads page.  

Documentation

Support

Additional considerations

The full Acrobat program can create new PDFs from Word, Excel, etc., or edit existing ones.  It can also reverse direction and create a Word (.doc) file from a PDF.

Acrobat has many features beside simple PDF creation: it can track comments of document reviewers, control document access via  passwords (limiting ability to read/write/modify), apply watermarks and digital signatures, and much more.

If you are looking for similar but different solutions, there are alternatives. 

• PDF-format documents may be viewed using the free Acrobat reader (click to go to download site).
• For Windows users with Office 2007, a free Microsoft add-in will allow creation of PDF files.  (Medical campus users can download Office 2007 for free at this site's PC/Windows download page.)
• For Windows users with Office 2003, there are freeware PDF-creators like Wondersoft's GotoPDF and CutePDF Writer.
• For Mac users with OS X, PDF creation is already built in.