Fix Copy and Paste Not Working in Acrobat Reader on iPad
Question details
The user is unable to copy and paste text within Adobe Acrobat Reader while using a Logitech Combo Touch keyboard on an iPad.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to select and copy text from a PDF document using a physical keyboard accessory on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The standard copy and paste keyboard shortcuts do not function, or the application fails to capture the selected text.
Ensure your iPadOS and Adobe Acrobat Reader app are updated to their latest versions, as outdated software can cause input compatibility issues with external keyboards.
Verify Selection Workflow and Document Restrictions
Confirm that the text is properly selected and check for document security restrictions that might prevent copying.
Sometimes, copy and paste issues arise not from the keyboard itself, but from how the PDF is interacted with or due to built-in document restrictions.
Open your PDF in Acrobat Reader. Long-press on a word using your finger or click using the trackpad until the blue text selection handles appear.
Drag the selection handles to cover the exact sentence or paragraph you wish to copy.
Press 'Command + C' on your Logitech Combo Touch keyboard. Alternatively, tap 'Copy' from the on-screen pop-up context menu.
If the 'Copy' option is missing or the shortcut fails, tap the three-dot menu in the top right, select 'Document Properties', and check the 'Security' tab to see if copying is restricted by the author.
Reconnect the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard
Reset the physical hardware connection between the iPad and the keyboard to resolve temporary input glitches.
Use WPS Office for Flawless PDF Text Editing on iPad
If Adobe Acrobat Reader continues to struggle with your external keyboard, WPS Office offers a robust PDF reader and editor for iOS that perfectly supports the Logitech Combo Touch, trackpad gestures, and hardware shortcuts.
- 1. Install the application: Download WPS Office for free from the App Store on your iPad.
- 2. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and tap on 'Files' to locate and open your PDF document directly within the app.
- 3. Select the text: Use your Logitech trackpad or finger to highlight the text you want to extract.
- 4. Copy and paste easily: Press 'Command + C' on your Combo Touch keyboard to copy the text, and 'Command + V' to paste it into a Word document or another app seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I select text in certain PDF files on my iPad?
The PDF might be an image-based scanned document rather than a text-based file. In this case, you need an app with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities to extract the text. Alternatively, the file may have DRM security restrictions applied by the author that prevent copying.
Does the Logitech Combo Touch support standard keyboard shortcuts on iPadOS?
Yes, the Combo Touch utilizes the Smart Connector to fully support standard iPadOS shortcuts, including Command+C (Copy), Command+V (Paste), Command+X (Cut), and Command+Z (Undo).
How do I highlight text in a PDF using an iPad trackpad?
Move the circular cursor over the text, press down firmly on the trackpad (or double-tap), and drag the cursor across the words you want to highlight, just as you would on a traditional laptop.
What should I do if my iPad keyboard shortcuts stop working completely?
Try restarting your iPad, detaching and reattaching the keyboard case to reset the Smart Connector connection, and checking if the app you are currently using has an update available in the App Store.
