If a publisher chooses to protect an eBook with technical copyright protection, an encrypted ACSM file is provided for download after purchase. This file can be opened using the software Adobe Digital Editions on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Some eReaders can also be authorized to decrypt ACSM files.
Users authorize Adobe Digital Editions with a personal Adobe ID, which enables a unique identification. An Adobe ID is a free user account for eBook customers consisting of an email address and password. When the ACSM file is opened with Adobe Digital Editions, the file is decrypted using the stored Adobe ID. The eBook is then registered to the signed-in user and can be opened in all versions of Adobe Digital Editions that use the same Adobe ID, as well as on all devices authorized with that Adobe ID.
Until now, the Adobe ID service has been provided by Adobe Inc. At the end of May 2026, it will be migrated to Wipro Limited. More information can be found here.
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