macOS - Software - Install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

What the Adobe Reader Installer does

This Automox Worklet™ automates the download and installation of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on macOS endpoints. The Worklet retrieves the installer from the Automox software cache, which provides the full version of Reader rather than requiring users to download from Adobe directly.

The installation process downloads the DMG file to a temporary location, mounts the disk image, locates the PKG installer within the volume, and runs the macOS installer utility. After installation completes, the Worklet unmounts the disk image and removes the temporary files.

The installation process downloads the DMG file to a temporary location, mounts the disk image, locates the PKG installer within the volume, and runs the macOS installer utility.

Why deploy Adobe Reader through Automox

When users need to view PDFs on macOS endpoints, many struggle with Adobe's complex download process, accept unwanted bundled software, or resort to using inconsistent PDF viewers. Manual installations create support burden and result in endpoints running different versions or completely lacking PDF software needed for business operations.

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC remains the industry standard for PDF viewing, and many organizations require it for document compatibility and form functionality. Deploying through Automox provides a consistent experience across your fleet. The Automox software cache delivers the complete installer without requiring user interaction, enabling silent deployment on endpoints with or without logged-in users.

Standardizing on a managed PDF reader also supports your security posture. You can combine this deployment Worklet with update policies to keep Reader current with security patches.

How Adobe Reader installation works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet checks if /Applications/Adobe Acrobat Reader.app exists on the endpoint. If Reader is present, the endpoint is compliant and no action is needed. If Reader is missing, the evaluation triggers remediation.

2. Remediation phase: The script downloads the Adobe Reader DMG from api.automox.com, mounts the disk image, locates the AcroRdrDC PKG file within the mounted volume, runs the installer targeting the system volume, unmounts the disk image, and removes the temporary DMG. A final check confirms the application exists in /Applications.

Adobe Reader installation requirements

• macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later

• Intel or Apple Silicon processor

• Network access to api.automox.com

• Sufficient disk space for installation (approximately 500 MB)

Expected state after Reader installation

After successful remediation, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC appears at /Applications/Adobe Acrobat Reader.app. You can verify the installation by running "ls -la /Applications | grep 'Adobe Acrobat Reader.app'" or checking Finder in the Applications folder.

Users can open PDF documents, fill forms, add comments, and use other Reader features immediately. The application registers as the default PDF handler unless another application already claims that role. Review the Worklet execution logs in the Automox console to confirm whether Reader was freshly installed or already present on the endpoint.

How to validate install adobe acrobat reader dc changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot macOS endpoint and review evaluation output for install adobe acrobat reader dc.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as exit, else.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as exit, else, curl, then rerun evaluation for compliance.