Help - Basics - Adobe eBooks
Adobe Reader 8 is now available. Should I install it?
No. Although Adobe Reader 8 is available for desktop and laptop computers, it is recommended that eBook users not install Adobe Reader 8 at this time. 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. ADE for Windows and Mac is still in Beta. For now, eBook users should continue to enjoy Adobe eBooks on their currently installed version of Adobe Reader.
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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 are the features of Adobe Reader 6.0 and 7.0?
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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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'?
'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 6.0 or 7.0?
Adobe Reader 6.0 and 7.0 are available as free downloads at Adobe.com. To review system requirements and download instructions, click here.
Note that although Adobe Reader 8 is available for desktop and laptop computers, it is recommended that eBook users not install Adobe Reader 8 at this time. 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. ADE for Windows and Mac is still in Beta. For now, eBook users should enjoy Adobe eBooks on Adobe Reader 6.0 or 7.0.
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How much does Adobe Reader cost?
Adobe Reader is free. To review system requirements and download instructions, click here.
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On what platforms do Adobe Reader 6.0 and 7.0 run?
Adobe Reader 6.0 and 7.0 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 is activation and why do I have to activate Adobe Reader?
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.
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How many copies of Adobe Reader 6.0 or 7.0 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.
Note that Named Activation is not currently supported in Adobe Reader 8 and the Beta version of Adobe Digital Editions.
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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…
- Go to File > My Bookshelf.
- Right-click the title to be transferred to your PDA and select 'Send to Mobile Device'.
- Click 'Prepare' to begin converting the book for use on your PDA.
- When prompted, perform a sync operation to transfer the book.
If you have Adobe Reader 7…
- Go to File > Digital Editions > My Digital Editions.
- Right-click the title to be transferred to your PDA and select 'Send to Mobile Device'.
- Click 'Prepare' to begin converting the book for use on your PDA.
- When prompted, perform a sync operation to transfer the book.
Note that transferring to PDAs is not currently supported in Adobe Reader 8 and the Beta version of Adobe Digital Editions.
For the latest information on Adobe Reader, click here to visit the Adobe Reader product page at Adobe.com.
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