What Is an ACSM File?
A file with the .ACSM file extension is an Adobe Content Server Message file. It’s used by Adobe Digital Editions to activate and download Adobe DRM protected content. ACSM files are not eBook files in the regular sense; they can’t be opened and read like other eBook formats, like an EPUB or PDF. In fact, the ACSM file itself is nothing but information that communicates with Adobe’s servers. There isn’t an eBook “locked inside” the ACSM file nor is there a way to extract the book from the ACSM file. Instead, ACSM files contain data from the Adobe Content Server that’s used to authorize that the book has been legally purchased so that the real eBook file can be downloaded to your computer through the Adobe Digital Editions program, and then read back through the same software on any of your devices. In other words, once your device is properly set up, you can open an ACSM file to register the book to the ID you’ve configured Adobe Digital Editions with, and then read the book on any device that’s running ADE with the same user ID, without having to repurchase it. There’s more information on that process below.
How to Open ACSM Files
Download Adobe Digital Editions to open ACSM files on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. When the book is downloaded on one device, the same book can be downloaded to any other device that’s using Adobe Digital Editions under that same user ID. Use the Help > Authorize Computer menu option in Adobe Digital Editions to connect your eBook vendor account to Adobe Digital Editions. This procedure provisions your books your other devices, that they’re re-downloadable should your device fail or the book is deleted, and that you don’t have to buy the book again for your other devices. Read Adobe DRM-protected data through the account you entered on that authorization screen.
How to Convert an ACSM File
Since an ACSM file is not an eBook, it can’t be converted to another eBook format like PDF, EPUB, etc. The ACSM file is just a simple text file that describes how to download the real eBook, which might, in fact, be a PDF, etc.
Still Can’t Open Your File?
Since it’s a bit different than other file formats, if you can’t open your ACSM file, dive into the errors you see. If an authentication error arises when you open the eBook, chances are that you’re not logged in under the same ID that purchased the book or you don’t have ADE installed. However, if you’ve done everything correctly and your file still isn’t opening with the suggestions from above, double-check the file extension to make sure it actually reads “ACSM.” Some file formats use a file extension that’s spelled similar to ACSM but are actually different and therefore require different programs.
How do you open an ACSM file on Kindle? You cannot directly open an ACSM file on a Kindle e-reader device. However, you can download an ACSM file, such as a digital library book, to your computer and then transfer the downloaded ebook to your Kindle (or other compatible devices) using Adobe Digital Editions software. After installing and activating the free software, connect your Kindle to your computer with a USB cable and authorize the transfer. How do you print an ACSM file? Download Adobe Digital Editions and add the ACSM file to it. Next, authorize your computer to download the ACSM file, right-click the book, and select Read > File > Print.
