Editor's note: This post compares features between Acrobat Pro 2017 and Acrobat Pro DC. Adobe has since released Acrobat Pro 2020. For more information, and to acquire the latest version of the software, check out Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 for Windows or Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 for Mac in the TechSoup catalog.
In 2015, Adobe released Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. This DC ("Document Cloud") version features a new interface, cloud storage support, and other new features.
PDFs can be used at your nonprofit in a variety of ways, from making flyers downloadable to any OS or device to collecting and tracking legally binding signatures. Here's a quick look at the differences between Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 and Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to help you decide which is best for your organization.
Both versions of Acrobat are able to view, create, modify, and merge PDF files. They both integrate with popular document creation applications, like Microsoft Word. This means you can export or save a document as a PDF directly from Microsoft Word, and you can collect and track e-signatures from anyone — regardless of whether or not they have an Adobe membership.
Here's a feature that's new to Acrobat Pro DC: You can send and track PDFs and confirm whether they have been delivered. Acrobat Pro DC also integrates with other cloud storage systems like Box, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. This feature can be extremely helpful when you need time-sensitive approvals from board members who are located elsewhere or are traveling. It's also a great way to keep track of whether or not volunteers have received all the information they need for an upcoming event.
Both versions allow you to create PDFs from other applications and merge documents into a single PDF document. Acrobat Pro DC, though, also lets you convert Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign files into PDFs directly within those applications. And it better integrates with Microsoft Office 365. This function is a great timesaver when it comes to creating materials like infographics or charts and graphs to accompany an email that you send to your community members.
Most versions of Acrobat allow you to find and change text within the document. However, Acrobat Pro DC lets you edit scanned documents, add text in the document's original font, and compare two versions of a single PDF. Acrobat Pro DC also lets you more accurately convert PDFs to Office files, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
While both Acrobat Pro 2017 and Acrobat Pro DC provide the ability to collect and track e-signatures in real time, Acrobat Pro DC offers a bit more functionality. For one thing, the DC version allows you to simply share a link to a document that needs to be signed. This allows the entire process to happen securely in the cloud. Acrobat Pro DC also allows you to turn any paper Word document into a fillable form. This is a great tool for organizations that need to collect large amounts of information from event participants, volunteers, and more. Also, the Adobe Sign app, available through the Adobe Document Cloud, lets you use your mobile device to sign documents from anywhere, anytime.
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Create and edit PDF documents |
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Collect and track e-signatures |
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Verify and certify the e-signatures you've collected |
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Share PDFs and track document status |
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Convert Word docs to PDF — complete with fillable forms |
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Turn Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop files to PDFs |
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Store and share files using Adobe Document Cloud |
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One-time payment Get a license for a $55 admin fee. Please refer to the Acrobat Pro 2017 product page for up-to-date information on when this license will expire. |
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Pay as you go You pay a monthly subscription fee to Adobe — but you get all software updates for as long as you subscribe! |
Acrobat Pro 2017 includes a license that allows the user to install the software and use it until the product expires. Please refer to the Acrobat Pro 2017 product page* for that date. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC requires a monthly or annual subscription fee to use the software.
Adobe still supports Acrobat Pro 2017, and as of now, this support continues to 2023. For many nonprofit organizations and libraries that don't have a need for the latest features, it may be a more cost-effective option for producing and modifying PDF files. On the other hand, automatic updates and e-signature management may make the Acrobat Pro DC subscription well worth the cost.
Adobe provides an in-depth comparison between these two versions. Check out this Acrobat version comparison for more information.
Check out the products offered through TechSoup and read more about them on Adobe's website.
*To acquire the latest version of the software, check out Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 for Windows or Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 for Mac in the TechSoup catalog.
**Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 is also available for the $55 admin fee.