Help - Basics - Adobe PDF eBooks

• Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 Beta is available. Should I install it?
• Adobe Reader 8 is now available. Should I install it?
• Will Adobe Reader 6 or 7 prompt me to download and install Adobe Reader 8?
• What is Adobe Reader?
• What is Adobe Digital Editions?
• What are the features of Adobe Reader 6 and 7?
• What are the features of Adobe Digital Editions?
• How is an Adobe eBook different from a PDF file?
• What is a 'digital edition'?
• How can I get a copy of Adobe Reader or Adobe Digital Editions?
• How much do Adobe Reader and Adobe Digital Editions cost?
• On what platforms do Adobe Reader and Adobe Digital Editions run?
• What other software do I need in order to use Adobe Digital Editions?
• How can I get a copy of Adobe Flash Player?
• How much does Adobe Flash Player cost?
• What is activation and why do I have to activate Adobe Reader 6 and 7?
• Do I have to activate Adobe Reader 8 with Adobe Digital Editions?
• How many copies of Adobe Reader 6 or 7 can I activate to the same Passport account?
• How do I transfer my book to my PDA?
• How do I return my Adobe PDF eBook early?
• Why can't I transfer Adobe eBook titles directly to my Sony eReader?

Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 Beta is available. Should I install it?

Although Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) 1.5 Beta is available, it is recommended that eBook users continue to enjoy Adobe eBooks on their currently installed version of Adobe Digital Editions or Adobe Reader. We do not recommend the use of Beta software.

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Adobe Reader 8 is now available. Should I install it?

Adobe Reader 8 is designed to work in conjunction with an application called Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) for the download and use of Adobe eBooks. Adobe Digital Editions includes much of the functionality previously provided by Adobe Reader with a simpler, easier to use interface.

If you use Adobe Reader to transfer Adobe eBooks to your PDA, or if you use downloaded Adobe eBooks on multiple computers, it is recommended that you do not install Adobe Reader 8 and ADE at this time. Adobe Reader 8 and Adobe Digital Editions do not currently support transfer to PDAs or Named Activation, the process that allows the sharing of eBooks between multiple computers.

Note that Adobe Reader 6 or 7 may check for updates and download Adobe Reader 8 automatically depending on your current settings. Click here for information on turning off automatic updates in Adobe Reader 6 and 7.

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Will Adobe Reader 6 or 7 prompt me to download and install Adobe Reader 8?

Adobe Reader 6 or 7 may check for updates and download Adobe Reader 8 automatically depending on your current settings. To ensure that Adobe Reader 8 is not automatically downloaded, follow these steps…

If you are using Adobe Reader 6…

1. Open Adobe Reader 6.
2. Select Edit > Preferences.
   The 'Preferences' dialog box is displayed.
3. Select 'Updates' in the left hand list of categories.
4. Select 'Manually' in the 'Check for Updates' drop-down box and click 'OK'.
   Adobe Reader 8 will not be downloaded automatically.

If you are using Adobe Reader 7…

1. Open Adobe Reader 7.
2. Select Edit > Preferences.
   The 'Preferences' dialog box is displayed.
3. Select 'Updates' in the left hand 'Categories' list.
4. Select 'Do not automatically check for critical updates' under the 'Update and Notification Check' heading and click 'OK'.
   Adobe Reader 8 will not be downloaded automatically.

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What is Adobe Reader?

Adobe Reader is the free reader used to read DRM-protected PDF files.  Replacing both Adobe Acrobat Reader 5 and the Adobe eBook Reader, Adobe Reader combines a vivid reading experience with an intuitive interface, enabling you to read high-fidelity eBooks on your desktop, laptop, or tablet computer as well as many supported PDAs.   Because Adobe Reader takes full advantage of the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), you can expect to enjoy the same beautiful typeface, images, and page layout you would see with a paper book.

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What is Adobe Digital Editions?

Adobe Digital Editions is a free eBook reader used to read DRM-protected PDF files. Adobe Digital Editions extends the eBook capabilities that were integrated in previous versions of Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat, and delivers a simplified, content-centric, user-friendly interface. Adobe Digital Editions works online and offline, and presents the same attractive typeface, images, and page layout provided by Adobe Reader.

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What are the features of Adobe Reader 6 and 7?

Features of the Adobe Reader include:

• My Bookshelf (Adobe 6.0) / My Digital Editions (Adobe 7.0)
  • Access and organize your eBooks through the 'My Bookshelf'/'My Digital Editions' feature.  The 'My Bookshelf'/'My Digital Editions' screen displays all of the eBooks you have downloaded, and from your 'My Bookshelf'/'My Digital Editions', eBooks can be opened with a simple double-click.  Organize your eBook collection by default categories and create new categories of your own.  Use the thumbnail view to display cover images of your eBooks, or the details view to sort by title, author, category, or date last accessed.
• eBook Viewing
  • Add comments, highlights, and stamps to your eBooks.
  • Choose to display all, some, or none of the Adobe Reader navigation tools while reading eBooks:
    To hide all toolbars:  View > Toolbars > Hide Toolbars (or press the F8 key)
    To hide the menu bar:  View > Menu Bar (or press the F9 key)
    To display only the eBook you are reading:  Window > Full Screen View (or Ctrl+L on Windows, Command+L on Mac OS)
• Accessibility
  • With publisher permission, Adobe Reader uses text-to-speech facilities to read eBooks aloud.
    To read aloud:  View > Read Out Loud
  • With publisher permission, Adobe Reader supports some screen reader applications for visually impaired users.
• Multimedia Content
  • Adobe Reader plays video and audio content embedded in eBooks, such as an audio version of music embedded within a book of sheet music or an animated map included in a geography text (with appropriate hardware and software installed).
• Search
  • Search for words and phrases not only within eBooks, but across all eBooks in your Adobe Reader library.  Please note that while you do not have to open a specific eBook to search it, the eBook must have been opened at least one time previously.

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What are the features of Adobe Digital Editions?

• Bookshelves
  • Access and organize your eBooks using the Library view. Organize your eBooks collection using the default bookshelves and create custom bookshelves. Use the thumbnail view to display cover images of your eBooks, or the list view to sort by title, author, date added to the library, date last accessed, publisher, number of pages, or status.
• Multimedia Content
  • Like Adobe Reader, Adobe Digital Editions plays video and audio content embedded in eBooks, such as an audio version of music embedded within a book of sheet music or an animated map included in a geography text (with appropriate hardware and software installed).
• Simplified Interface
  • Adobe Digital Editions provides a user-friendly interface that facilitates fast and easy access to your eBooks and bookmarks.

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How is an Adobe eBook different from a PDF file?

An Adobe eBook is a PDF file that is DRM-protected using Adobe DRM (Digital Rights Management).  DRM allows publishers to protect eBooks from unlawful distribution and to set certain restrictions on content, such as limits on copying and printing.

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What is a 'digital edition'?

Whereas 'Adobe Digital Editions' refers to a specific application, 'digital edition' is another term for 'eBook'. A digital edition is a PDF file that is DRM-protected using Adobe DRM (Digital Rights Management).  DRM allows publishers to protect digital content from unlawful distribution and to set certain restrictions on content, such as limits on copying and printing.

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How can I get a copy of Adobe Reader or Adobe Digital Editions?

Click here for system requirements and download instructions.

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How much do Adobe Reader and Adobe Digital Editions cost?

Adobe Reader and Adobe Digital Editions are free. To review system requirements and download instructions, click here.

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On what platforms do Adobe Reader and Adobe Digital Editions run?

Adobe Reader and Adobe Digital Editions run on many Windows and some Macintosh computers.  Adobe Reader also runs on many PDAs. Click here for more on supported operating systems and system requirements.

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What other software do I need in order to use Adobe Digital Editions?

To use Adobe Digital Editions, you need to have Adobe® Flash® Player 8 (or later) installed on your computer. Additionally, Javascript must be enabled in your browser to install Adobe Digital Editions.

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How can I get a copy of Adobe Flash Player?

Adobe Flash Player is a free download. Click here to review system requirements and download Adobe Flash Player.

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How much does Adobe Flash Player cost?

Adobe Flash Player is a free download.

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What is activation and why do I have to activate Adobe Reader 6 and 7?

Activation is a process that registers your copy of Adobe Reader to your machine, enabling your device to open and use eBooks that have been DRM-protected using Adobe DRM (Digital Rights Management).  This process is necessary because many publishers require strong DRM protection to prevent unlawful redistribution of their eBooks.  Once a device is activated, you can download and enjoy the many premium eBooks that have been secured for distribution in this format.

Click here for more information on activating Adobe Reader 6 and 7.

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Do I have to activate Adobe Reader 8 with Adobe Digital Editions?

Easy Activation should occur automatically the first time you attempt to use a DRM-protected eBook (such as the ones available from this website).

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How many copies of Adobe Reader 6 or 7 can I activate to the same Passport account?

Currently, up to 6 computers (Windows, Macintosh, and/or PDAs) may be activated to the same Passport account using Named Activation. Please note that transferring Adobe Reader eBooks from one computer to another will work only if the destination computer is running Adobe Reader 6.

Note that Named Activation is not currently supported in Adobe Reader 8 with Adobe Digital Editions. Additionally, note that Adobe Reader 6 or 7 may check for updates and download Adobe Reader 8 automatically depending on your current settings. Click here for information on turning off automatic updates in Adobe Reader 6 and 7.

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How do I transfer my book to my PDA?

The method of transfer that you should use depends on the version of Adobe Reader that you have installed.

If you have Adobe Reader 6...

1. Go to File > My Bookshelf.
2. Right-click the title to be transferred to your PDA and select 'Send to Mobile Device'.
3. Click 'Prepare' to begin converting the book for use on your PDA.
4. When prompted, perform a sync operation to transfer the book.

If you have Adobe Reader 7...

1. Go to File > Digital Editions > My Digital Editions.
2. Right-click the title to be transferred to your PDA and select 'Send to Mobile Device'.
3. Click 'Prepare' to being converting the book for use on your PDA.
4. When prompted, perform a sync operation to transfer the book.

Note that transferring to PDAs is not currently supported in Adobe Reader 8 with Adobe Digital Editions. Additionally, note that Adobe Reader 6 or 7 may check for updates and download Adobe Reader 8 automatically depending on your current settings. Click here for information on turning off automatic updates in Adobe Reader 6 and 7.

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How do I return my Adobe PDF eBook early?

Only Adobe® eBooks may be returned early:

If you are using Adobe Reader 6…

1. Open Adobe Reader® and go to File > My Bookshelf.
2. Locate the cover image of the eBook you wish to return. Right-click on the cover image and chose the 'Return to Lender' option.
   The 'Document Expiration' dialog box is displayed.
3. In the 'Document Expiration' dialog box, click option 'Return to Lender'. Note that clicking option 'OK' will simply close the dialog box without returning the book.
   The eBook is removed from your account and returned to the library collection.

If you are using Adobe Reader 7…

1. Open Adobe Reader® and go to File > Digital Editions > My Digital Editions.
2. Locate the cover image of the eBook you wish to return. Right-click on the cover image and chose the 'Return to Lender' option.
   The 'Document Expiration' dialog box is displayed.
3. In the 'Document Expiration' dialog box, click option 'Return to Lender'. Note that clicking option 'OK' will simply close the dialog box without returning the book.
   The eBook is removed from your account and returned to the library collection.

If you are using Adobe Reader 8 with Adobe Digital Editions…

1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
2. Select the 'Library View' icon (in the upper left corner).
   The Adobe Digital Editions library is displayed.
3. Under the 'Bookshelves' heading, select 'Borrowed'.
4. Click the eBook you want to return.
5. Click the 'Item Options' arrow (in the upper left corner of the selected eBook).
6. Select 'Return Borrowed Item'.
7. Click 'Return' to verify that you want to return the title.
   The eBook is removed from your account and returned to the library collection.

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Why can't I transfer Adobe eBook titles directly to my Sony eReader?

Adobe eBook titles, provided by OverDrive, Inc., use DRM protection technology from Adobe Systems Incorporated. Unfortunately the Sony eReader does not currently support this type of DRM-protected eBook file.

OverDrive, along with hundreds of online eBook providers, is hopeful that Adobe and Sony can reach an agreement that would enable support for DRM-protected Adobe eBooks on the Sony eReader.

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