Fix Comment Cloud Tool Unavailable in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user is unable to use the comment cloud tool in Adobe Acrobat, as it appears inactive or grayed out while other tools remain functional.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat XI Pro
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to annotate a PDF document using the comment cloud tool for reviewing or highlighting specific areas.
- Observed behavior
- The comment cloud tool is completely inactive and unavailable for selection, preventing the user from applying the annotation to the PDF.
Before troubleshooting the software, ensure you have the necessary permissions if the PDF was sent by someone else, as restricted documents often disable specific commenting tools.
Check PDF Security Permissions
Verify if the specific PDF document has security restrictions that prevent adding annotations and comments.
PDF creators often apply security settings to prevent unauthorized editing, copying, or commenting. If the comment tools are grayed out, the document is likely restricted.
Open the problematic PDF in Adobe Acrobat, right-click anywhere on the document page, and select 'Document Properties' from the context menu.
In the Document Properties dialog box, click on the 'Security' tab at the top.
Review the 'Document Restrictions Summary' list. Look for the 'Commenting' row and verify whether its status is listed as 'Allowed' or 'Not Allowed'.
Update Adobe Acrobat Software
Install the latest updates to fix software glitches that might cause the commenting tools to freeze or become inactive.
Add Comments and Cloud Shapes to PDFs with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat tools remain unavailable or require a costly subscription, WPS Office provides a robust, built-in PDF editor. It allows you to easily add cloud shapes, text boxes, sticky notes, and highlights to any unrestricted PDF document.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF document.
- 2. Navigate to the Comment Tab: Click on the 'Comment' tab located in the top ribbon menu to reveal the annotation tools.
- 3. Select the Cloud Tool: Click on the 'Shapes' or direct 'Cloud' icon, then click and drag on the document page to draw your comment cloud.
- 4. Customize the Annotation: Use the right-side properties panel to adjust the border color, fill color, and opacity of your cloud shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are all my commenting tools grayed out in a PDF?
This usually happens when the document is protected by a permissions password, or if you are viewing a PDF/A (archive) file which strictly restricts modifications to preserve the document's original state.
Can I add a comment cloud without Adobe Acrobat?
Yes, you can use alternative PDF editors like WPS Office, which feature built-in annotation tools allowing you to draw shapes, highlight text, and insert comment clouds easily and for free.
How do I remove security from a PDF to enable commenting?
If you have the permissions password, open the PDF, go to Document Properties > Security, and change the Security Method to 'No Security'. Enter the password when prompted, confirm the changes, and save the file.
