This article provides answers to common questions about Adobe software available. It covers what tools are included, who is eligible, how to request a license, where to install the apps, and how to manage access over time.
Quick Links
What's included and how access is managed
| App |
Adobe's Description |
Access & Notes |
| Acrobat Pro |
View and share PDFs: Get the best viewing experience for all types of PDF content.
- Personal Fill and sign: Complete forms fast and add your signature or initials.
- Give and get feedback: Add text boxes, sticky notes, and highlights. Share a PDF to collect everyone's input in one file.
- Work from anywhere: Access your files from any device with the free Acrobat Reader app and through the Acrobat Reader Chrome extension.
|
Available to all active employees. Request is required until October 2025 |
| Adobe Sign |
Create fillable forms for signature and request signatures from others. Access must be requested to add this feature to your existing Adobe Acrobat Pro software. |
Usage based fee at $1.30 per transaction. |
| Adobe Express |
Coming soon! |
Coming soon! |
|
Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps
|
Creative Cloud All Apps is a subscription plan that includes more than 20 creative apps, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, InDesign, Audition, After Effects, and Acrobat Professional. Curious whether a specific feature is included? Submit a ticket.
 Individual apps like Photoshop or InDesign are no longer licensed separately. Instead you will receive a Creative Cloud All Apps license. For billing details, contact your campus business office. |
Request required; campus approval; cost varies |
| Adobe Captivate |
Create interactive eLearning and training content. |
Submit a ticket to request a quote.
|
Who qualifies for Acrobat Pro?
All active UMS employees are eligible. A request is required to get started until October 2025 during our license transition period, but no approval is required. All requests will be granted.
Who qualifies for Adobe Sign?
Any active UMS employee may request access. This is only required if you request signatures from others. If you only sign your own documents, you can do that with Acrobat Pro.
Who qualifies for Acrobat Express?
Starting in early October, all active UMS employees and registered students are eligible. Access will be granted automatically via your primary SSO enabled University of Maine email account.
Who qualifies for Creative Cloud All Apps?
Any active UMS employee may request access. Student requests must be submitted by a department admin or other employee sponsor. Licenses are limited and requests must be approved by your campus.
What about contractors, persons of interest (POIs), or student workers?
To be eligible you must be an active University of Maine System (UMS) employee or registered student. If you hold another designation, you may be eligible to receive a Creative Cloud All Apps license. However, these licenses are limited and approval is at the discretion of each campus business office. Starting in early October, please submit the request form and include as many details as possible about your related business operational need.
What machines qualify for a Shared Device License?
If you have a campus managed desktop computer that is regularly used by multiple users, your machine might be eligible for an Adobe Creative Cloud shared device license. This type of license gives software access to anyone who logs into the machine. Examples of use cases might look like a desktop machine accessed by student workers, academic lab computers, shared computers in a library space. To be eligible your machine must meet all of the following criteria:
- It is a managed device physically located on campus or at another UMS owned location.
- It is regularly used by multiple people, each signing in with their own UMS account.
- It is not accessed remotely (no VPN, Remote Desktop, or similar tools).
How do I request Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps?
Request forms are coming soon. Use the Adobe Service Request Form in TDX. Your request will be routed to your campus business office for approval.
How do I request Adobe Acrobat Sign?
Request forms are coming soon. Use the Adobe Sign Service Request Form in TDX.
How will I know if I'm approved?
You will be notified through your TDX ticket once your request is approved or updated.
How long does approval take?
Timing varies by campus. If you have questions during the process, reach out using your TDX ticket.
What if I work at multiple campuses?
Select the campus where you are primarily funded. If you are unsure, ask your supervisor.
Do I need to renew each year?
Yes. You will need to submit a renewal request (link to form coming soon) each year to continue using Creative Cloud.
How do I install the apps?
Visit the 'How to Install Adobe Creative Cloud' article. Your IT support team can also help install apps via Software Center on UMS-managed computers.
Can I install Adobe Apps on my personal computer?
Yes. You can install Acrobat Pro and Creative Cloud on personal devices.
Licenses are assigned to your UMS identity, not your device. You can install Adobe apps on personal machines, but you are limited to the number of places you can be signed in.
Can I use Adobe on more than one device?
Yes. You can sign in to Adobe Apps on up to two devices, but you can only use the apps on one device at a time. If you try to launch Adobe apps on a third device, you’ll be prompted to sign out of one of the others before continuing.
Can I transfer my license to someone else?
No. Each person needs to submit a request for license approval through their campus. If transferring a license is relevant, you can include this information in the justification on the request.
How do I check what version I'm using?
Your installed versions are listed in the Creative Cloud desktop app. You can also see version details when opening individual Adobe apps.
What happens if I leave the university?
Access ends when your UMS account is deactivated, typically at the end of your appointment. Files stored in Adobe Cloud may become inaccessible after that point.
Can I keep using older standalone versions like Acrobat DC or Acrobat 2020?
These versions will no longer be supported after June 1, 2025. We recommend switching to Acrobat Pro using the UMS-provided license to ensure security and compatibility.
Can I save files to Adobe Cloud?
Yes. Adobe apps often default to Adobe Cloud. This is fine for short-term or personal use — but it’s not ideal for collaborative or long term work storage.
What is the recommended place to store my work?
Use a Google Shared Drive or Microsoft SharePoint for long-term or team-based files. These platforms support team based access across UMS and file access will not end if you leave the University of Maine System.
Will I lose my files if I switch or renew licenses?
As long as your UMS email address stays the same, your Adobe Cloud files will remain available. If you change roles or accounts, back up important files first.