Adobe Acrobat Reader DC vs. Adobe Reader XI — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on February 17, 2024
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the newer version with cloud storage and additional features, while Adobe Reader XI is the older version, lacking cloud connectivity and some newer functionalities.
Difference Between Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Adobe Reader XI
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the latest evolution of Adobe's PDF reader, introducing cloud connectivity, which allows users to access and store documents online, offering more flexibility in accessing documents from different devices. Adobe Reader XI, on the other hand, is an earlier version that lacks this cloud integration, focusing solely on providing basic PDF reading functionalities without the enhanced accessibility and storage options.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC integrates with Adobe Document Cloud and other cloud storage solutions like Dropbox, making it easier for users to work with PDFs across devices. This seamless integration across different platforms makes document management more efficient. Adobe Reader XI, while reliable for reading and annotating PDFs, does not offer such cloud-based features, limiting its utility to local file management.
The user interface in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC has been significantly updated to provide a more modern and intuitive experience. It includes tools for commenting, highlighting, and a touch-enabled interface for easier navigation on touch devices. Adobe Reader XI, though functional, has a more traditional interface that might not cater as efficiently to users accustomed to modern app designs.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC offers enhanced security features, including protection against malware and phishing attacks through its Protected Mode and Protected View environments. Adobe Reader XI also provides security features, but it does not benefit from the continuous updates and enhancements that Adobe Acrobat Reader DC receives, potentially leaving it more vulnerable to newer security threats.
While Adobe Acrobat Reader DC supports electronic signatures and form filling in a more integrated and user-friendly manner, Adobe Reader XI offers basic support for these features without the same level of sophistication or ease of use. This distinction underscores Adobe's effort to make Acrobat Reader DC a more comprehensive tool for PDF interaction.
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Comparison Chart
Cloud Integration
Yes, integrates with Adobe Document Cloud and other services for easy access and sharing.
No cloud integration.
User Interface
Modern, intuitive, and touch-enabled for easier navigation.
Traditional, with a standard interface.
Security Updates
Continuous updates for enhanced security features.
Limited updates; lacks newer security features.
Functionality
Extensive features including electronic signatures, form filling, and commenting.
Basic functionality with fewer features.
Accessibility
Enhanced tools for accessibility, making it easier for users with disabilities.
Basic accessibility features without the latest enhancements.
Compare with Definitions
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Enhanced with a touch-enabled interface, making navigation on tablets and touch screens intuitive.
Navigating through PDF files on my touch-screen laptop with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a breeze.
Adobe Reader XI
Lacks integration with cloud services, focusing on local file management.
Adobe Reader XI works perfectly for when I just need to open and read PDF files stored on my computer.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
A comprehensive PDF viewer that integrates with cloud services for accessing and storing files.
I used Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to access my contract from Dropbox and sign it electronically.
Adobe Reader XI
Provides basic security features to protect users while viewing PDF documents.
Adobe Reader XI offers enough security for me to feel safe opening downloaded PDFs.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe's advanced PDF reader with capabilities for viewing, printing, signing, and commenting on PDF documents.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC's commenting tools made collaborating on the project report easy.
Adobe Reader XI
Adobe's earlier PDF viewer designed for reading, printing, and annotating PDF documents.
I used Adobe Reader XI to add notes to the PDF document for my class.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Integrates seamlessly with Adobe Document Cloud, facilitating document management across devices.
With Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, I seamlessly accessed my PDFs from both my phone and laptop.
Adobe Reader XI
A straightforward user interface that prioritizes basic PDF viewing and commenting functions.
Finding tools in Adobe Reader XI is straightforward, making it easy to highlight text.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Offers continuous security updates to protect users against emerging threats.
Thanks to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, I can open PDFs from emails without worrying about malware.
Adobe Reader XI
Does not support the advanced features and integrations found in later versions of Adobe's PDF software.
For simple PDF viewing and printing, Adobe Reader XI meets all my needs.
Common Curiosities
What is Adobe Reader XI?
An older version of Adobe's PDF reader, focusing on basic PDF viewing and annotation without cloud integration.
Can I still download Adobe Reader XI?
Adobe no longer officially supports Reader XI; users are encouraged to download Acrobat Reader DC for the latest features and security updates.
What is Adobe Acrobat Reader DC?
It's Adobe's free PDF viewer that includes cloud connectivity and advanced features for PDF interaction.
How do I access cloud storage in Acrobat Reader DC?
You can access cloud storage by signing into your Adobe Document Cloud or connected cloud storage accounts within the application.
Are documents saved in Adobe Document Cloud accessible through Reader XI?
No, Adobe Document Cloud integration is a feature exclusive to Acrobat Reader DC and later versions.
Can Adobe Reader XI fill and sign PDF forms?
Yes, it offers basic form filling and signing capabilities, though not as advanced as those in Acrobat Reader DC.
Do both Acrobat Reader DC and Reader XI support electronic signatures?
Yes, but Acrobat Reader DC offers a more streamlined and integrated signing experience.
Does Acrobat Reader DC cost money?
Acrobat Reader DC is free for viewing, printing, and commenting on PDF documents. Additional features may require a subscription.
Can I use Acrobat Reader DC without an internet connection?
Yes, while cloud features require an internet connection, basic functions like reading and commenting on PDFs are available offline.
Is Adobe Reader XI compatible with all operating systems?
Adobe Reader XI may not be compatible with newer operating systems. Compatibility information is available on Adobe's website.
Is there a mobile app version of Adobe Reader XI?
Adobe primarily supports Acrobat Reader DC for mobile PDF viewing and interaction, not Reader XI.
How do I upgrade from Adobe Reader XI to Acrobat Reader DC?
Download Acrobat Reader DC from Adobe's website and install it; it will automatically replace or update the older version.
Can I convert PDFs to other formats in Reader XI or Acrobat Reader DC?
Basic PDF conversion features are available in Acrobat Reader DC with an Adobe subscription, while Reader XI offers limited functionality.
Can I annotate PDFs in both Acrobat Reader DC and Reader XI?
Yes, both versions support annotating PDFs, though Acrobat Reader DC offers more advanced commenting tools.
How does the security of Acrobat Reader DC compare to Reader XI?
Acrobat Reader DC receives continuous security updates, making it more secure against new threats than Reader XI.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
