PDF Editing Issues

Fix Pencil Color Changing Previous Text in Acrobat Reader Mobile

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent previously written text from automatically changing color when a new pencil or pen color is selected in the mobile application.

How to Prevent Pencil Color from Changing Previously Written Text in Acrobat Reader Mobile

Product: Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile
Device & OS: iOS
Scenario: Writing or drawing on a PDF document using the pencil/pen tool in comment mode.
Observed behavior: Changing the pen color applies the new color to the active sequence of actions, altering the color of text that was already written rather than only applying to future strokes.

Before you start

Ensure your Acrobat Reader Mobile app is updated to the latest version and familiarize yourself with the top toolbar to quickly switch between different annotation tools.

Solution 1Recommended

Select Another Tool to Interrupt the Active Sequence

Because the app groups uninterrupted pen strokes as a single action, briefly selecting a different tool locks in the previous text color.

Acrobat Reader Mobile is designed to treat continuous annotation strokes as a single active workflow. If you change the color without interrupting this sequence, the application applies the new color to all recent strokes.

To prevent this, you must explicitly tell the app that your previous drawing action is complete by temporarily switching to a different tool.

Complete your current drawing

Finish writing or drawing your current text with the pen tool in the desired color.

Switch to a different tool

Tap a different tool on the top comment menu, such as the Eraser or the Highlighter, to break the active sequence.

Reselect the pen tool

Tap the Pen tool again to start a brand-new annotation sequence.

Change the color

Select your new desired pencil color from the palette and continue writing. Your previous text will retain its original color.

Select Another Tool to Interrupt the Active Sequence

Designed Behavior: This workflow is an intended design feature of the application. Manually interrupting the workflow by selecting another tool is the official method to save the current stroke state.

Annotate PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office

If you find continuous stroke grouping cumbersome for your workflow, try WPS Office. It features a robust, intuitive PDF editor where you can freely draw, highlight, and manage individual colors for your annotations without unexpected formatting changes.

1. Download the app: Install and open the WPS Office app on your mobile device.
2. Open your PDF: Load your PDF document and tap on the 'Edit' or 'Tools' menu at the bottom.
3. Select the Pen tool: Tap on the 'Annotation' or 'Pen' tool to start writing or drawing on your document.
4. Change colors freely: Adjust the pen color directly from the palette at any time; your previous strokes will remain exactly as you left them.

Independent color controls for distinct PDF pen strokesFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and standard PDF formatsFree, lightweight, and user-friendly mobile applicationSeamless cloud syncing across mobile and desktop devices

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my entire drawing change color in Acrobat Reader Mobile?

Acrobat Reader Mobile treats consecutive strokes with the pen tool as a single active sequence. If you change the color without deselecting the pen tool, it assumes you want to modify the entire active sequence.

Can I change the color of just one part of my drawing later?

Once strokes are grouped and saved as a single annotation object in Acrobat Reader, changing their properties usually affects the entire group. You will need to erase and redraw using the correct color if you missed switching tools.

Does this issue happen on the desktop version of Adobe Acrobat?

This specific continuous stroke grouping is primarily an intentional workflow design in Acrobat Reader Mobile due to its touch-optimized interface.

Is there a setting to disable continuous stroke grouping?

Currently, Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile does not offer a dedicated setting to turn off this workflow grouping. The designated method is to manually tap another tool before changing colors.

PDF Troubleshooting