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Fix Apple Pencil PDF Annotations Rotating 45 Degrees on iPad Pro
Question details
Users experience handwritten notes and drawings made with an Apple Pencil unexpectedly rotating or disappearing when editing PDFs.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Adding handwritten annotations, comments, or drawings to a PDF document using an Apple Pencil.
- Observed behavior
- Annotations unexpectedly rotate by 45 degrees immediately after the user finishes writing, or comments completely disappear when switching away from the app.
Ensure your Apple Pencil is fully charged and securely paired via Bluetooth, and verify that your iPad Pro is connected to a stable internet connection if working with cloud-stored files.
Update Adobe Acrobat Reader and iPadOS
Updating to the latest app version (19.01.01 or later) resolves known rendering bugs that cause annotations to rotate or comments to vanish.
Software glitches related to Apple Pencil tilt and orientation data are often patched in newer releases. Version 19.01.01 specifically addresses the issue of lost comments and drawing rotations.
Launch the App Store on your iPad Pro and tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
Scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section, locate Adobe Acrobat Reader, and tap 'Update'. If it does not appear, you are on the latest version.
Navigate to the iPad Settings app, go to 'General', and select 'Software Update'. Download and install any pending system updates.
Restart your iPad, open a PDF document, and use the Apple Pencil to test if the rotation issue persists.
Isolate the Input Method
Test different input methods to determine whether the 45-degree rotation is caused by the Apple Pencil hardware or a general app bug.
Save Files Locally to Prevent Disappearing Comments
Prevent data loss by moving cloud-based PDFs to your local storage before adding extensive annotations.
Use WPS Office for Flawless Apple Pencil Annotations
If you are tired of annotation bugs and lost comments, switch to WPS Office. It offers robust, native support for the Apple Pencil on iPad Pro, allowing you to draw, highlight, and take notes smoothly without any unexpected rotation or data loss.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the App Store on your iPad Pro.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch the app and open your PDF document directly from your local files or linked cloud storage.
- 3. Access Annotation Tools: Tap the 'Annotation' or 'Edit' tab at the top of the screen to reveal the drawing tools.
- 4. Select the Pen: Choose the Pen tool, adjust your preferred color and thickness, and begin writing with your Apple Pencil.
- 5. Save Securely: Tap 'Done' or the Save icon to lock in your edits accurately without any rotation glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PDF annotations disappear when I close the app on my iPad?
This commonly occurs due to syncing failures with cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox) or bugs in older app versions. Ensure you manually save the document locally and update your PDF reader to the latest version to prevent data loss.
Does the 45-degree rotation bug happen with all iPad styluses?
No, this specific glitch is often isolated to how certain PDF apps interpret the advanced tilt and orientation sensors inside the Apple Pencil. Testing with a basic capacitive stylus or your finger usually bypasses the rotation bug.
Can I recover PDF comments that were lost after putting my iPad to sleep?
If the app crashed or the document failed to sync to the cloud before the iPad went to sleep, unsaved temporary annotations might be permanently lost. It is best to enable auto-save or manually save your progress frequently.
