PDF Editing Issues

Fix Arabic Text Duplication in PDF Forms on iPhone

Bushra Parveen Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience duplicated or ghosted Arabic text when sharing filled PDF forms from an iPhone.

How to Fix Arabic Text Duplicating in PDF Forms on iPhone

Product: Adobe Acrobat for iOS
Device & OS: iOS (iPhone)
Scenario: Filling out and sharing a PDF form containing Arabic text via email or WhatsApp on an iPhone.
Observed behavior: The entered Arabic text displays a duplicated or ghost image upon sharing, whereas standard text inputs typically render correctly.

Before you start

Ensure your iOS device is updated to the latest version and test with a non-sensitive copy of your PDF form to prevent any accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Built-in iOS Files App

Use Apple's native Files app to fill out the form, as the default iOS rendering engine fully supports standard Arabic text input without duplication.

Since the duplication issue is specifically tied to Adobe Acrobat's rendering of Arabic fonts on iOS, bypassing the app and using the native Apple PDF viewer often resolves the problem.

Save the PDF to Files

Download the PDF form to your iPhone and save it directly into the native iOS 'Files' app.

Open and Fill the Form

Locate the PDF in the Files app, tap to open it, and tap on the form fields to type your Arabic text.

Share the Document

Once completed, tap the 'Share' icon in the bottom-left corner and select WhatsApp or Mail to send the correctly rendered file.

Native Compatibility: The native iOS PDF tool handles Right-to-Left (RTL) languages like Arabic flawlessly in standard form fields.

Solution 2

Modify Form Field Properties on a Computer

Adjust the PDF form's font settings on a desktop computer before sending it to the iPhone to ensure better cross-platform compatibility.

Free PDF Editing Alternative

Fill Arabic PDF Forms Seamlessly with WPS Office

Avoid text duplication and ghosting issues by using WPS Office to read, fill, and share your PDF forms. WPS Office provides excellent multilingual support, including Arabic, right on your mobile device.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the WPS Office app from the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Open the PDF File: Launch WPS Office, tap on 'Files', and select the PDF form you need to fill out.
3. Fill the Form: Tap on the interactive form fields and enter your Arabic text without worrying about duplication or ghosting.
4. Share the Document: Tap the 'Share' icon to instantly send the correctly formatted PDF via WhatsApp, Email, or other platforms.

Flawless rendering of Arabic text and Right-to-Left languages in PDF formsEasily share completed forms via WhatsApp or email directly from the appFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and standard PDF formats

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Arabic text ghost or duplicate in Adobe Acrobat on iOS?

This is a known rendering limitation where Arabic fonts in certain interactive PDF form fields are not fully supported on the iOS version of Acrobat, causing the text layers to duplicate or ghost upon sharing.

Can I fix the duplicated Arabic text after the PDF has been shared?

Unfortunately, once the PDF is shared and flattened with the ghosted text, it cannot be easily reversed. You will need to refill the original blank form using a compatible PDF reader.

Does standard iPhone form filling support Arabic?

Yes, Apple's built-in PDF viewer in the native Files app typically handles Arabic text input in standard form fields correctly without displaying any duplication.

How can I ensure my PDF form is compatible with Arabic on all devices?

When creating the form on a desktop, ensure you select standard, universally recognized fonts for the form fields and test the form across different platforms (iOS, Android, PC) before distributing it to users.

PDF Troubleshooting