Fix Right-to-Left Text Disappearing in Acrobat PDF Forms
Question details
Users need to resolve an issue where right-to-left text, such as Hebrew, disappears from PDF form fields unless the field is actively clicked or highlighted.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Filling out interactive PDF forms that require right-to-left text input.
- Observed behavior
- Text vanishes when the form field loses focus, which appears to be triggered by the field-border hover highlight feature.
Ensure you save any unsaved data in your current PDF form, and verify that your PDF application is updated to the latest version.
Disable Border Hover for Fields
Turn off the field border highlight feature, which is the primary workaround for this text display bug.
The disappearance of right-to-left text is often triggered by the way Adobe Acrobat renders the hover highlight on form fields. Disabling this highlight removes the trigger and keeps the text visible.
Launch Adobe Acrobat or Reader and navigate to Edit > Preferences on Windows, or Acrobat > Preferences on Mac.
In the left-hand category pane, select the Forms option.
Locate the Highlight Color section and uncheck the box labeled 'Show border hover for fields'. Click OK to save your changes.
Adjust Language Preferences and Fonts
Modify the application's language settings and ensure the correct font packs are installed for proper right-to-left text rendering.
Repair Adobe Acrobat Installation
Fix corrupted application files that might be causing unexpected rendering bugs.
Fill PDF Forms Seamlessly with WPS PDF
If you frequently encounter display bugs while filling out PDF forms, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible PDF reader and editor that flawlessly handles form inputs, including right-to-left languages.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get WPS Office from the official website and complete the installation.
- 2. Open Your PDF Form: Launch WPS PDF and open the interactive form you need to fill out.
- 3. Input Right-to-Left Text: Click directly into the designated form fields and type your Hebrew or right-to-left text securely.
- 4. Save the Document: Click the Save icon or press Ctrl+S to save your completed PDF form with all text perfectly visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Hebrew text disappear in PDF form fields?
This is often caused by a known rendering bug in some PDF applications related to the 'border hover highlight' feature. When the cursor leaves the field, the highlight triggers a glitch that hides right-to-left text.
Does this issue affect all right-to-left languages?
Yes, this display issue in Acrobat form fields can affect Hebrew, Arabic, Farsi, and other right-to-left scripts.
What if disabling the border hover doesn't work?
If the workaround fails, try repairing your Acrobat installation via the Help menu, adjusting your Language preferences to explicitly support Right-to-Left text, or installing the Extended Language Font Pack.
