Fix Apple Pencil Handwriting Issues in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
Users experience shaky, discontinuous handwriting and limited stroke thickness options when using an Apple Pencil in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Drawing, writing, or annotating a PDF document using an Apple Pencil after an OS and app update.
- Observed behavior
- Apple Pencil strokes appear shaky and discontinuous. The default stroke is overly thick, and there are fewer stroke thickness options available than before.
Ensure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi so you can access the App Store, and verify that your Apple Pencil is fully charged and securely paired via Bluetooth.
Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the Latest Version
The handwriting glitch and stroke thickness issues were recognized as a bug in older app versions and are resolved in Acrobat Reader version 18.10.02 and newer.
Adobe has addressed the shaky stroke and limited thickness options for the Apple Pencil in an official update. Installing the latest version from the App Store will restore normal handwriting capabilities.
Unlock your iPad and tap the App Store icon on your home screen.
Tap the Search icon at the bottom right, type 'Adobe Acrobat Reader', and select the official app from the search results.
If an 'Update' button is visible next to the app, tap it to install the latest version (ensure it is version 18.10.02 or higher).
Open a PDF in the newly updated Acrobat app, select the drawing tool, and test your Apple Pencil to verify if the stroke continuity and thickness options are restored.
Annotate PDFs Smoothly with Apple Pencil in WPS Office
If you are struggling with glitches in other PDF apps, try WPS Office. It offers a highly responsive and fluid handwriting experience for Apple Pencil users, allowing you to annotate, sign, and draw on PDFs without lag or stroke distortion.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office app from the iPad App Store and open it.
- 2. Open your PDF: Tap on 'Open' in the home interface to select and load the PDF document you want to annotate.
- 3. Access Annotation Tools: Tap the 'Tools' menu at the bottom or top, select the 'Annotation' tab, and choose the 'Pen' tool.
- 4. Customize your stroke: Adjust the pen thickness and color according to your preference from the secondary toolbar.
- 5. Start writing: Use your Apple Pencil to write naturally on the document with precise, continuous strokes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Apple Pencil writing so thick in Adobe Acrobat?
A known bug in earlier versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader (prior to iPadOS update version 18.10.02) caused the default stroke to appear overly thick and limited the adjustment options. Updating the app resolves this issue.
What should I do if my Apple Pencil is shaky across all iPad apps?
If the shakiness occurs in all apps and not just Acrobat, try unpairing and repairing the Pencil in your iPad's Bluetooth settings. Ensure the Pencil tip is screwed on tightly, and check if a thick screen protector is interfering with the signal.
Can I change the handwriting stroke thickness in Acrobat?
Yes. In the updated versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, once you select the drawing or comment tool, you can tap the stroke settings icon (usually a circle indicating color/thickness) to adjust the line width to your exact preference.
Does WPS Office support Apple Pencil on iPad?
Yes, WPS Office has robust support for Apple Pencil, providing a natural handwriting experience, pressure sensitivity for signatures, and comprehensive PDF annotation tools.
