This article will teach you how to use Adobe Digital Editions to open Adobe Content Server Message (.acsm) eBooks in Windows and macOS.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Install Adobe Digital Editions
If you haven't installed this free app yet:
- In a browser, go to
- Click on the 'Windows' download link to download the installation file.
- Double-click the installation file (usually located in the Downloads folder) when the download is complete.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
Step 2. Press ⊞ Win+E
This will open File Explorer.
Step 3. Go to the folder containing the.acsm file
If you can't find it, type its name (or just "*.acsm") in the search bar in the top-right corner of the window, then press ↵ Enter. It should appear in the search results
Step 4. Right click on the.acsm file
A context menu will appear.
Step 5. Select Open with…
Another menu will appear.
Step 6. Click on Adobe Digital Editions
An authorization screen will appear.
Step 7. Enter the information of the seller of your eBook (optional)
If you don't have this information or don't want to enter it, go to the next step. Select the seller of the e-book in the drop-down menu and then enter your login and password.
This step is useful when you want to transfer DRM-protected eBooks between devices (up to 6)
Step 8. Check the "I want to grant my computer permission without an ID" box
Only do this if you didn't enter the seller information in the previous step.
When prompted, click "Authorize" in the pop-up message to confirm this change
Step 9. Click Authorize
It's the button in the lower right corner of the window. This will authorize your computer and a confirmation message will appear.
Step 10. Click OK
You can now read the.acsm file in Adobe Digital Editions.
Method 2 of 2: macOS
Step 1. In a browser, go to
This is the download site for Adobe Digital Editions, a free application that allows you to read.acsm files on your Mac.
Step 2. Click Download Digital Edition Macintosh
This will download the installation package (.dmg) to your Mac.
Step 3. Double click on the installation file
This is the file you just downloaded.
By default, your downloads are saved in your Downloads folder
Step 4. Double click on the installation package
It's called 'Digital Editions 4.5 Installer.pkg' (version number may vary).
Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app
Start by clicking 'Continue' and then go through each screen until the application is installed.
You will need to enter the administrator password towards the end of the installation
Step 6. Open Finder
It's in the Dock, usually at the bottom of the screen.
Step 7. Open the folder containing the.acsm file
Step 8. Hold Control when you click on the file
A context menu will appear.
Step 9. Click Open With
Step 10. Click on Adobe Digital Editions
This will open the.acsm file in Adobe Digital Editions.