Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe acrobat logo.

Adobe Acrobat Reader


Tool Type

Reading, Collaboration

Who Uses It?

Students, Instructors, Staff

Tags

IT Approved



Difficulty

Beginner-Friendly

Accessibility Info

The signing and reading experience for front-end users depends largely on the accessibility of the PDF and its creation method. Scanned or untagged PDFs cannot be read by screen readers. Furthermore, the 2025 interface update has introduced widespread contrast issues across almost all tools—including the Home screen and Fill & Sign—where text and focus indicators often fall below standard visibility requirements.

Certain tools, such as positioning sticky notes and form elements, still rely on drag-and-drop functionality. Key interfaces like Send for Signature and Fill & Sign remain only partially keyboard-accessible. Assistive technology still struggles to identify the roles, names, and "checked" states of form controls. Additionally, screen readers frequently skip content or announce information in an illogical sequence.

Tool Description

Adobe Acrobat Reader is an essential tool for students and instructors at a community college. It allows you to view, print, and share PDF files. Use it for viewing and reading PDFs digitally making it an easy option to quickly open and review files. A key feature is the ability to add signatures and fill out forms directly in the program, streamlining administrative tasks. Acrobat Reader also offers a mobile version, enabling access and some manipulation of PDFs on-the-go. With its functionality and user-friendly interface, it empowers efficient digital document management for a more productive academic experience.



Cost/Licenses

Free, Provided by the College to All

How to Get or Use This Tool

Download and Install Adobe Acrobat Reader for free on Adobe's website. Most Lane devices should have this installed by default. If your Lane device does not, you can contact the IT help desk to have them install it for you.


Platforms

Web-based, Mac OS, Window OS, Chrome OS, Mobile

Tool Resources

Pros

  • Easy to print and save documents.
  • You can sign PDFs easily with manual and digital signatures.
  • Works on mobile devices.
  • Has a chrome extension to use in your browser directly.

Cons

  • Creation of forms is not on the free version. 
  • If the PDF you are opening is not accessible as screen reader may not be effective.

Privacy

View Privacy Information

Similar Tools

Preview on Mac, Adobe Acrobat Pro

Supported By

Academic Technology Center (ATC) - atc@lanecc.edu
Last Updated: 12/18/2025 - 11:02

Your Responsibilities


As a user of our Digital Tool Hub, it is your responsibility to use software in a manner that aligns with Lane's policies and standards. This includes protecting college resources and data by ensuring compliance with relevant policies, storing sensitive information in approved systems, and facilitating equitable access for all users, including those with disabilities.

You are individually accountable for any software installed on your devices and must adhere to the terms and conditions of software licenses. While we strive to provide support for a wide range of applications, please note that some may not be directly supported by the college. All software usage is subject to our policies, and you must review our guidelines on software procurement and licensing compliance. The college cannot be held liable for damages resulting from the installation or use of software obtained through our hub. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting copyright laws and using digital tools responsibly.

Relevant Policies:


Know of another tool used at Lane for education? Let us know by filling out this form and we can review it for the Digital Tool Hub!

Have any questions? Contact us at DigitalToolHub@lanecc.edu.

Accessible is defined as:

When considering the use of a digital tool with students in a classroom, prioritizing accessibility is essential. Accessibility is assessed through compliance with WCAG 2.0 standards. All softwares, where the primary user is students, in the Digital Tool Hub are accessible. Keep in mind there some exceptions due to the nature of the various types of software. The If a software is level of partial accessibility are outlined on each tool's page if a tool is partially accessible.

  • What is a VPAT: A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is a document that explains how information and communication technology products such as software, hardware, electronic content, and support documentation meet the Revised 508 Standards for IT accessibility. Check out Sonoma State University's article and learn how to read a VPAT.

How are the tags defined:

Tags can be changed at any time, so check in regularly for any software changes, recommendations, approval, etc.

Tags are defined as follows:

  • Recommended by ATC: This is a tool recommended by the Academic Technology Center (ATC) for faculty to use for its intended purposes.
  • IT Approved: The tool has been fully vetted for cybersecurity.
  • AI Ready:AI features are already available and can be used immediately. Users can enable or disable them without additional purchases or administrative intervention.
  • AI Capable:The software includes AI functionality that is not currently active. These features may require activation by Lane, a settings change, or a separate license/purchase.
  • AI Extendable:AI features are not built-in but can be added through plugins, integrations, or companion services. These may involve complex setup or extra cost.
  • Exploratory (Accessibility Risk):This tool is new or meant for exploration purposes only and has not been assessed for accessibility compliance, including alignment with WCAG standards applicable to U.S. educational institutions. Its accessibility status is unknown due to limited documentation and insufficient information from the vendor. Because accessibility cannot be verified, this tool must not be required for any course activity, assessment, or essential learning outcome. Student use must remain fully optional, and no student should experience reduced access to effective learning, engagement, or practice because they choose not to use this tool. Tools with this tag are intended primarily for internal exploration, experimentation, and optional enhancement rather than required instructional use.
  • User's Choice:This tool is used by many users and is highly regarded by students, faculty, and/or staff. This does not guarantee the tool is accessible for faculty to use in courses. Review additional tool information to ensure an informed decision regarding its suitability for faculty use in courses.

    • Difficulty is defined at each level as follows:

    • Beginner-Friendly: Requires basic familiarity with digital tools. Able to follow simple instructions and navigate intuitively. Benefit from clear guidance and encouragement.
    • Intermediate: Requires a moderate level of understanding of digital tools. Can explore deeper features and adapt to some customization. Able to engage and use with moderate complexity and seek help when needed.
    • Advanced: Requires advanced proficiency in using digital tools. Can navigate complex workflows and adapt to advanced customization. Able to innovate, contribute, and troubleshoot independently within the platform.