Fix Acrobat Text Box Properties Disappearing After Update
Question details
Users are unable to see or use the text properties controls for comment text boxes in Adobe Acrobat following a software update, preventing them from selecting fonts, sizes, or colors.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows, macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to format text fonts, sizes, or colors within PDF comment text boxes.
- Observed behavior
- The Text Properties toolbar disappears unexpectedly while editing, preventing users from modifying text attributes.
Ensure you have an active internet connection to download the latest software updates, and verify if the issue occurs across all PDF files or just a specific document.
Install the Latest Acrobat Update
Updating your software to version 19.021.20049 or newer resolves the known bug causing missing text properties.
The missing text properties issue is a known bug acknowledged by Adobe. They have released a patch specifically to restore the controls for comment text boxes.
Launch your Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader application on your computer.
Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown menu.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install update 19.021.20049 or later, then restart the application to apply the fix.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Open Text Properties
Use a quick keyboard shortcut to force the floating text properties menu to appear while editing if you cannot update immediately.
Edit PDF Text Boxes Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid update glitches and disappearing toolbars. WPS Office offers a robust PDF editor that lets you add, modify, and format text boxes with an intuitive, always-visible properties panel.
- 1. Open Your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document to begin editing.
- 2. Insert a Text Box: Navigate to the 'Comment' or 'Edit' tab and select the 'Text Box' tool to add text anywhere on the page.
- 3. Format Your Text Easily: Select your text and use the stable properties panel on the right side of the screen to adjust fonts, sizes, and colors without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my text box properties disappear in Adobe Acrobat?
This issue was caused by a software bug introduced in a previous Acrobat update. The developers have acknowledged the problem and released update 19.021.20049 to restore the missing text properties controls.
What is the shortcut to open text properties in Adobe Acrobat?
You can quickly open the floating text properties menu by pressing 'Ctrl+E' on a Windows PC or 'Command+E' on a Mac while actively editing a text box.
Will reinstalling Acrobat fix the missing properties toolbar?
Reinstalling the same outdated version will not fix the issue. You must ensure you are updating to the patched version (19.021.20049 or higher) by checking for updates in the Help menu.
