Adobe Digital Editions 4 Review – Approachable eBook Reader and Manager

very good
key review info
application features
  • Support for EPUB, PDF and ACSM (Adobe Content Server Message)
  • (8 more, see all...)

Managing a library of hundreds of ebooks can be difficult when not using the appropriate tools. Adobe Digital Editions is specially designed for this task, in order to help PC users keep all their favorite books into a single place, browse bookshelves and read content in a convenient setting.

Made for Windows and Mac OS X systems, the tool is free for everyone, wrapped in a small package, and it includes support for EPUB, PDF and ACSM files (Adobe Content Server Message). Its fourth version has just been released a couple of days ago and brings new features to the table such as support for EPUB 3.0, including its four specifications: EPUB Publications, Content Documents, Open Container Format (OCF) and Media Overlays, in addition to EPUB 2.0.1, EPUB 2 versions and PDF/A format. For a complete list of devices supported by Adobe Digital Editions, click this link.

Uncomplicated interface and clear-cut options

During the setup procedure, users may configure some basic settings related to program shortcuts as well as associate Adobe Digital Editions with ACSM and EPUB-formatted files.

As for the interface, Adobe sticks to the same clean and elegant look it adopted in earlier versions, in order to provide users with a comfortable environment for book reading. The key difference is that it dropped the dark theme and opted for a light one instead.

Populate the library and manage bookshelves

eBooks are put together in a digital library and filtered via the bookselves – all items, not read, borrowed, purchased, recently read, and recently added. They can also be sorted by various criteria such as title, author, publisher, date of addition, and number of pages. The default viewing mode is thumbnail and can be swapped for a list structure to examine the previously mentioned details. Additional information may be investigated for any book when it comes to its location on the disk and permissions (licensed to, viewing, copying, printing).

It is possible to add new bookshelves and assign any names, rename or delete existing ones. However, users should keep in mind that the preset categories cannot be modified or removed. Meanwhile, ebooks can be imported into the library using either the classical file browser or by dragging the items into the main frame while navigating Explorer directories.

The latest book additions are labeled as "new" in the library to easily spot them, while those recently read can be accessed from the "File" menu.

Comfortably read books on the screen

Once an eBook is open, users may enter full screen mode, open the table of contents to study and jump to chapters, check out the current and total number of pages, and easily browse contents by jumping to a specific page or moving a slider on the bottom part of the screen. Specific words may be looked up via a search function, and it is possible to view its next and previous occurrence (keywords are highlighted in blue).

In case of EPUB files, the text font can be increased or decreased in size, while the zoom mode can be altered (for PDFs only), depending on the user's preferences. Bookmarks can be set with the click of a button and later viewed, as well as selected and removed from a list that shows the page number, day and date for each entry.

Authorize the computer to make room for extra features

By logging in with an Adobe ID, users have the possibility to authorize the current computer in order to easily read and transfer Adobe DRM protected items between multiple PCs and mobile devices, as well as to restore content from backups after an OS reinstallation.


The Good

Adobe Digital Editions is multilingual and has keyboard shortcuts. It worked smoothly on Windows 8.1 Pro during our evaluation while remaining light on system resources, and its compatibility extends to Windows 7 and XP (32- and 64-bit) as well as Mac OS X.

The latest version features support for EPUB 3 format to enhance the reading experience. It can be used with several screen readers such as JAWS, Window-eyes and NVDA.

The interface is pleasant and intuitive. Users have the ability to switch to full screen mode, create bookmarks and add notes, manage eBooks in different shelves in the library, filter and sort them, adjust the font size and zoom level, and search for keywords.

It is free to use. Help documentation is available.

By using an Adobe ID, it is possible to easily synchronize the eBooks library between multiple computers and devices.

The Bad

Notes cannot be added in Windows (only in Mac OS X).

We have noticed some issues with the search function. After finding the first occurrence of a keyword, the cursor is automatically removed from the search box, so those attempting to locate the next occurrence by pressing Enter might think the tool is not working properly when in fact they have to either click the arrow buttons (for the next and previous occurrence) or inside the search box to be able to get results by pressing the Enter key again.

The Truth

Those looking for a straightforward, simple-to-use, comfortable, resource-friendly and free eBook reader may resort to Adobe Digital Editions with confidence, although it is a little light on the feature set (e.g. lack of UI customization options).

NOTE: You can also read out previous review for Adobe Digital Editions 1.0.464.

user interface 4
features 3
ease of use 5
pricing / value 5


final rating 4
Editor's review
very good
 
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Adobe Digital Editions (7 Images)

Add ebooks to the library and manage them in bookshelves
Switch from thumbnail to list view to examine ebook propertiesView additional ebook informationEnter full screen mode and easily browse pagesIncrease or decrease the font size
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