PDF Editing Issues

Fix Apple Pencil Palm Rejection and Scrolling Issues in Acrobat iPad

Elise Williams Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need better Apple Pencil support in their PDF editor, specifically seeking improved palm rejection, the ability to scroll with fingers while drawing, pressure sensitivity, and easier annotation controls.

Fix Apple Pencil Palm Rejection and Scrolling Issues in Acrobat iPad

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Annotating, highlighting, and reviewing PDF documents using an Apple Pencil on an iPad.
Observed behavior: The application fails to distinguish between the Apple Pencil and a fingertip, preventing users from scrolling with their fingers while in drawing mode. Changing annotation color and thickness is also reported as cumbersome.

Before you start

Ensure that your Apple Pencil is fully charged and securely paired with your iPad via Bluetooth, and verify that your iPadOS is updated to the latest version to rule out system-level glitches.

Solution 1Recommended

Update to the Latest Version of the App

Software developers frequently release patches to improve hardware integration. Updating ensures you have the latest palm rejection algorithms and Apple Pencil features.

Many Apple Pencil compatibility issues, including poor palm rejection on the iPad Pro, stem from using outdated application builds. Newer releases (such as 16.04.05 and later) specifically address these specific hardware interactions.

Open the App Store

Navigate to your iPad's home screen and open the App Store.

Check for Updates

Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section.

Update Acrobat

Locate Adobe Acrobat in the list and tap the 'Update' button next to it. Wait for the installation to finish.

Test Palm Rejection

Open a PDF document, select the drawing tool, and test the palm rejection by resting your hand on the screen while writing.

Device Compatibility: Certain features like advanced pressure sensitivity may also depend on your specific iPad model and whether you are using a 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, or Apple Pencil Pro.

Solution 2

Force iPadOS to Only Draw with Apple Pencil

Using iPadOS system settings to restrict drawing inputs exclusively to the Apple Pencil can serve as a workaround for apps that struggle to differentiate between a finger and a stylus.

Ultimate PDF Editor for iPad

Annotate PDFs Flawlessly with WPS Office

If your current PDF app lacks intuitive Apple Pencil support, switch to WPS Office. It provides native palm rejection, intelligent finger scrolling, and an easily accessible toolbar to change pen colors and thickness without breaking your workflow.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the iPad App Store.
2. Open Your PDF: Launch the app and open your PDF document. WPS Office natively recognizes all standard PDF files.
3. Select the Annotation Tool: Tap on the 'Annotate' or 'Edit' tab at the top of the screen to reveal the drawing tools.
4. Write and Scroll Seamlessly: Use your Apple Pencil to write naturally with pressure sensitivity. Use two fingers to pan or scroll the page instantly without switching tools.

100% compatible with Adobe PDF formats and standard annotationsNative Apple Pencil palm rejection for flawless and natural writingSmart finger scrolling allows you to navigate pages without exiting drawing modeQuick-select annotation toolbar makes changing pen thickness and color effortless

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPad register my palm as a pen stroke when annotating PDFs?

This happens when the PDF application lacks optimized palm rejection algorithms for the Apple Pencil. If the app treats all touch inputs equally, resting your hand on the screen will result in accidental marks. Updating the app or switching to an optimized editor like WPS Office can resolve this.

Can I scroll with my fingers while using the Apple Pencil to draw?

In optimized apps, yes. Modern PDF editors can distinguish between the Apple Pencil (used for drawing) and a finger (used for scrolling or zooming). If your current app treats both inputs as drawing tools, you may need to enable 'Only Draw with Apple Pencil' in your iPad settings.

Does my PDF app support Apple Pencil pressure sensitivity?

Pressure sensitivity depends on both the iPad hardware and the specific PDF software. While the Apple Pencil hardware supports it, the software must be coded to interpret that pressure data. Check the release notes of your specific app version to see if pressure sensitivity is supported.

How can I change the annotation color and thickness faster?

If your current app hides color and thickness settings behind multiple menus, it can disrupt your workflow. To fix this, look for quick-access toolbars or drop-down menus in the app's settings. Alternatively, using WPS Office provides a streamlined annotation toolbar built specifically for quick stylus adjustments.

PDF Troubleshooting