Overview
Check for Updates... contacts the Mapsoft update server and tells you whether a newer version of the plug-in is available. If one is, it can download the installer and start the update for you. The check runs in its own window (provided by the WinSparkle update framework), so Acrobat stays responsive while it works.
If Check for updates automatically is turned on (Preferences, Updates tab), updates are also checked in the background from time to time; use this command when you want an immediate answer.
The command stays available whatever your licence state, including after a trial has ended. When a newer version is known, the menu item shows it, for example Check for Updates... (2.1.0 available).
In Acrobat's Protected Mode
When Acrobat runs in Protected Mode (Enable Protected Mode at startup in Acrobat's Security (Enhanced) preferences), the plug-in cannot install updates, because installing means running an installer, which Protected Mode prevents. It can still tell you about them:
- Check for Updates... contacts
mapsoft.comand reports the result in a message: that a newer version is available (with an offer to open the download page), that you have the latest version, or that the server could not be reached. The answer can take a few seconds to appear. - With Check for updates automatically turned on, Acrobat checks in the background when it starts, and tells you once about each new version.
- To update, download the installer from the product page on
mapsoft.com, close Acrobat and run it.
How it works
- Choose Check for Updates... from the menu. A small update window opens and contacts the server.
- If you are up to date, the window says so — there is nothing else to do.
- If a newer version exists, the window shows its version and release notes, and offers to Install update, Skip this version or Remind me later.
- If you choose to install, the installer downloads, its digital signature is verified, and you are asked to close Acrobat so the plug-in file can be replaced. Acrobat can be reopened as soon as the installer finishes.
Update channels
Two release channels are available, chosen on the Updates tab of the plug-in's Preferences dialog:
| Channel | Description |
|---|---|
| Stable | Production releases only. This is the default, and the right choice for almost everyone. |
| Beta | Pre-release builds for early testing. Betas may contain features that are still changing; switch back to Stable at any time. |
The same Preferences tab also lets you turn the periodic automatic check on or off, and has a Check for Updates Now button that does the same as the menu command.
If the check fails
- No internet connection (or a firewall/proxy blocking
mapsoft.com): the update window reports that it could not reach the server. Nothing is changed on your machine; try again when you are online. - Corporate networks: the check downloads over HTTPS from
mapsoft.com. If your IT department restricts downloads, you can always install updates manually from the Mapsoft website instead.
Every update is verified against a digital signature before it is installed. An update that fails verification is refused — the plug-in will never install an installer that does not come from Mapsoft.