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IT Help and Support

University Information Services
 

Adobe is ending support for Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 after 30 November 2025. 

Acrobat Pro 2020 will be removed from laptops and computers managed by UIS before this deadline on 1 October 2025. 

Unsupported software creates a cyber security risk so we must remove it before support ends. 

 

Why is this changing 

Adobe has moved to an annual subscription model. You can no longer buy a one-off, perpetual licence for Acrobat Pro 2020. Instead, you must buy an annual subscription for a named user.  

If you have an Acrobat Pro subscription from Academia, you should have received a renewal reminder in early February. Academia offers software to University members at a reduced price. 

If you’re unsure which version you have, open Acrobat Pro. Go to ‘Help’ and then ‘About Adobe Acrobat Pro.’ If you have the older version, you will see ‘Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020.’ 

 

Actions you need to take if you currently use Acrobat Pro 2020 

1. Consider alternatives to Acrobat Pro 

or 

2. Buy a subscription to Acrobat Pro from Academia. A central contact in your department should be in contact to arrange this. Check with your line manager if you're unsure.

 

1. Consider alternatives to Acrobat Pro   

Are PDFs the right format for your content? PDFs can create accessibility issues when used on websites. Would HTML web pages be more suitable?  

If you only need to create PDFs, you can use Microsoft Word to convert documents to PDFs.    

If you’re a Mac user you can save a document as a PDF. You can also use the pre-installed Preview app to: 

  • fill out PDF forms 
  • add your signature 
  • password protect PDFs 
  • merge and combine PDF documents    

You may need to use Adobe Acrobat Pro for advanced features, such as:   

  • editing PDFs   
  • adding images and videos to PDFs   
  • comparing document versions   
  • checking if your PDF is accessible

 

 2. Buy a subscription to Acrobat Pro   

Before support for Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 ends, you can buy an annual subscription to Acrobat Pro from Academia

A central contact in your department should organise the purchase on your behalf. The process is: 

  1. create an account in Academia 
  2. request a quote for Adobe Acrobat Pro 
  3. raise a purchase order (PO) using the quote 
  4. upload the purchase order to the Academia store. Make sure you include the email address of the person or people who will be using this software  
  5. End users will receive an email with their licence details attached in a PDF

You will be charged pro-rata for the remaining subscription period. The current subscription period runs from 19 March 2024 to 18 March 2025.  

You will need to buy a new subscription when the next subscription period starts on 19 March 2025.    

Academia has sent out renewal reminder emails for Acrobat Pro subscriptions due for renewal in March.   

 

Installing Acrobat Pro on University Managed Desktop (UMD) devices 

If you have a University Managed Desktop (UMD), the latest version of Acrobat Pro can now be accessed via the Creative Cloud app. You will still need to buy a licence. 

The app is available for download from the Company Portal if you have a Windows laptop or the Self Service app if you have a Mac.  

 

You will be asked to enter your licence details the first time you access the app. Academia now sends licences directly to end users so you do not need to raise a ticket with the Service Desk. 

Acrobat Pro 2020 will still be available to download from the Company Portal until 1 October 2025. 

 

Transferring licences between users 

Unlike perpetual Acrobat Pro licences, subscriptions can be transferred between users. If you want to transfer a licence between users, please contact Academia at cambridge@academia.co.uk 

 

Any questions? 

If you have any questions, please contact the Service Desk.

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