If you need the JavaScript console and the “Ctrl + J” shortcut does not work on your Acrobat (Standard or Pro), even though you activated it from the preferences menu, follow these steps to force it open.
Create a plain text file with the following code “console.show();” and call it “show console.js”.
If you are on a PC:
Place the above script in the folder called “Javascripts” from the installation folder of your Acrobat, usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat 10.0\Acrobat\Javascripts
If you are on a Mac:
Open up your Acrobat app by right clicking and picking “Show Package Contents”, navigate to Contents/Resources/JavaScripts and put the script there.
Restart your Acrobat and the console will open.
Using this file, the console will pop open every time Acrobat runs.