This article provides answers to common questions about Adobe software available to University of Maine System employees. 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.
If you're a current employee looking to use Acrobat Pro or Adobe Creative Cloud, this guide will help you get started and find support.
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 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 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. |
Request required; campus approval; cost varies |
|
Adobe Captivate
|
Create interactive eLearning and training content. |
Submit a ticket to request a quote. |
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.
Who qualifies for Acrobat Pro?
All current UMS employees (faculty, staff, adjuncts, and temporary 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 Creative Cloud All Apps?
Any UMS employee may request access. 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.
- Temporary employees are eligible
- Contractors are not eligible
- Student Workers do not receive individual access, but can use Creative Cloud in shard student lab environments
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?
Use the Adobe Service Request Form in TDX. Your request will be routed to your campus business office for approval.
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. Licenses are active through June 30. 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?
Yes. Submit an IT ticket with the current and new user's UMS user names by emailing help@maine.edu. IT will handle the reassignment.
I already have a license - do I need to do anything?
If you currently have an Adobe license, IT will manage your transition to the shared system. In the future, use the request form to renew or change access.
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, typicall 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.