Help - Basics - Adobe PDF eBooks

• 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 Digital Editions?
• What is Adobe Reader 7?
• What are the features of Adobe Digital Editions?
• What are the features of Adobe Reader 7?
• How is an Adobe eBook different from a PDF file?
• What is a 'digital edition'?
• How can I get a copy of Adobe Digital Editions or Adobe Reader?
• How much do Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader 7 cost?
• On what platforms do Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader 7 run?
• Do I need additional software 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 7?
• Do I have to activate Adobe Digital Editions?
• How many copies of Adobe Reader 7 can I activate to the same Passport account?
• How do I transfer an eBook to my portable device?
• Why can't I transfer Adobe eBook titles directly to my Sony eReader?
• Where are Adobe PDF eBooks stored on my computer?
• How do I return an Adobe PDF eBook early?

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

Adobe Reader 8 does not offer stand-alone support for Adobe eBooks. Rather, Adobe Reader 8 works 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 6 or 7 to transfer Adobe eBooks to your Palm or Pocket PC you should not install Adobe Reader 8/Adobe Digital Editions at this time. If you use downloaded Adobe eBooks on multiple computers, the destination computer must be running Adobe Reader 6. Please note that Adobe Reader 6 is no longer available for download. If you wish to use borrowed Adobe eBooks on more than one computer, you should not upgrade to Adobe Digital Editions or Adobe Reader 7 or 8 at this time. Adobe Reader 8/Adobe Digital Editions do not currently support transfer to Palm or Pocket PC devices or the sharing of borrowed eBooks among 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. Please note that Adobe Reader 6 is no longer available for download. If you upgrade to Adobe Digital Editions or Adobe Reader 7 or 8, you will not be able to reinstall Adobe Reader 6.

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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 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.

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.

Please note that Adobe Reader 6 is no longer available for download. If you upgrade to Adobe Digital Editions or Adobe Reader 7 or 8, you will not be able to reinstall Adobe Reader 6.

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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 is Adobe Reader 7?

Adobe Reader 7 is a free reader used to read DRM-protected PDF files.  Adobe Reader 7 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 portable devices. 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 are the features of Adobe Digital Editions?

• Bookshelves
  • Access and organize your eBooks using the 'Library' view. Organize your eBook 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 checkout status.
• Multimedia Content
  • 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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What are the features of Adobe Reader 7?

Features of Adobe Reader include:

• My Digital Editions
  • Access and organize your eBooks through the 'My Digital Editions' feature.  The 'My Digital Editions' screen displays all of the eBooks you have downloaded, and from your '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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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 Digital Editions or Adobe Reader?

Click here for system requirements and download instructions.

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How much do Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader 7 cost?

Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader 7 are free. To review system requirements and download instructions, click here.

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On what platforms do Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader 7 run?

Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader 7 run on many Windows and some Macintosh computers.  Adobe Reader also runs on many Pocket PCs and Palm devices. Click here for more on supported operating systems and system requirements.

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Do I need additional software in order to use Adobe Digital Editions?

To use Adobe Digital Editions, you need to have Adobe® Flash® Player installed:

• If you have Windows, you must have Adobe Flash Player 7 (or later) installed.
• If you have Mac OSX, you must have Adobe Flash Player 8 (or later) installed.

Additionally, JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to install Adobe Digital Editions. Click here for instructions on enabling JavaScript in your Windows-based browser. Click here for instructions on enabling JavaScript in your Macintosh-based browser.

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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 7?

Activation is a process that registers your copy of Adobe Reader 7 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 DRM protection to deter 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 7.

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Do I have to activate Adobe Digital Editions?

Yes. Adobe Digital Editions can be activated anonymously, or by using an Adobe ID. Anonymous activation automatically occurs the first time that you open a DRM-protected Adobe eBook. Anonymous activation allows you to read DRM-protected eBooks on your computer only.

Activating Adobe Digital Editions using an Adobe ID allows you to read DRM-protected eBooks on your computer and prepares your copy of Adobe Digital Editions for the future use of functionality currently unavailable in Adobe Digital Editions, such as transfer to portable devices.

When you first open Adobe Digital Editions 1.5, you are prompted to activate, or authorize, your computer.

To authorize your computer using an Adobe ID…

1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
   The 'Setup Assistant' dialog box is displayed.
2. Click 'Continue'.
   The 'Authorize Computer' screen is displayed.
3. In the appropriate fields, enter the email address and password for your Adobe ID.
   If you do not already have an Adobe ID, click 'Get an Adobe ID online' and follow the instructions to sign up for an Adobe ID.
4. Click 'Activate'.
   Your computer is authorized to your Adobe ID.
5. Click 'Finish' to close the 'Setup Assistant' dialog box.

If you prefer not to authorize your computer using an Adobe ID…

1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
   The 'Setup Assistant' dialog box is displayed.
2. Click 'Continue'.
   The 'Authorize Computer' screen is displayed.
3. Select the 'Don't Authorize Computer' option.
4. Click 'Activate'.
5. You are prompted to confirm that you do not want to activate your computer at this time. Select 'Continue' to continue without authorizing your computer.
6. Click 'Finish' to close the 'Setup Assistant' dialog box.

If you choose not to activate your computer at this time, you may do so later.

To authorize your computer at a later time using an Adobe ID…

1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
2. Select Library > Authorize Computer.

The 'Authorize Computer' dialog box is displayed.
3. In the appropriate fields, enter the email address and password for your Adobe ID.
   If you do not already have an Adobe ID, click 'Get an Adobe ID online' and follow the instructions to sign up for an Adobe ID.
4. Click 'Activate'.
   Your computer is authorized to your Adobe ID.
5. Click 'Finish' to close the 'Setup Assistant' dialog box.

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How many copies of Adobe Reader 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 PDF eBooks from one computer to another using Adobe Reader 6 or 7 will work only if the destination computer is running Adobe Reader 6.

Adobe Reader 8 does not offer stand-alone support for Adobe eBooks and does not support the transfer of Adobe eBooks to portable devices or other 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.

Please note that Adobe Reader 6 is no longer available for download. If you upgrade to Adobe Digital Editions or Adobe Reader 7 or 8, you will not be able to reinstall Adobe Reader 6.

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How do I transfer an eBook to my portable device?

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

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 portable device and select 'Send to Mobile Device'.
3. Click 'Prepare' to begin converting the eBook for use on your portable device.
4. When prompted, perform a sync operation to transfer the eBook.

If you have Adobe Reader 6...

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

Note that transferring to Pocket PCs and Palm devices is not currently supported in Adobe Digital Editions.

Adobe Reader 8 does not offer stand-alone support for Adobe eBooks and does not support the transfer of Adobe eBooks to portable devices or other 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.

Please note that Adobe Reader 6 is no longer available for download. If you upgrade to Adobe Digital Editions or Adobe Reader 7 or 8, you will not be able to reinstall Adobe Reader 6.

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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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Where are Adobe PDF eBooks stored on my computer?

If you are using Adobe Digital Editions…

• On Windows Vista, eBook PDF files are stored in Documents > My Digital Editions.
• On Windows XP, eBook PDF files are stored in My Documents > My Digital Editions.
• On the Mac OS, eBook PDF files are stored in Documents > Digital Editions.

If you are using Adobe Reader 7…

• On Windows Vista, eBook PDF files are stored in Documents > My Digital Editions.
• On Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows XP, eBook PDF files are stored in My Documents > My Digital Editions.
• On the Mac OS, eBook PDF files are stored in Documents > Digital Editions.

If you are using Adobe Reader 6…

• On Windows Vista, eBook PDF files are stored in Documents > My eBooks.
• On Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows XP, eBook PDF files are stored in My Documents > My eBooks.
• On the Mac OS, eBook PDF files are stored in Documents > eBooks.

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How do I return an Adobe PDF eBook early?

If you are using 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 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 returned to the library collection.

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 returned to the library collection.

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