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Fix Text Appearing Before Numbers in Adobe Acrobat Pro XI
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where typing text with numbers and colons results in incorrect order.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro XI
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding numbers, colons, and text to a document using the Add Text tool.
- Observed behavior
- Text direction behaves incorrectly, causing text to appear before numbers instead of in the naturally typed sequence.
Verify whether this issue happens in a single specific PDF document or across all PDFs you open in Acrobat XI to determine if the issue is file-specific or application-wide.
Adjust Language and Text Direction Preferences
Check and correct the default text direction settings in Adobe Acrobat to ensure left-to-right typing behavior is enforced.
In many cases, text reversing its order around numbers and punctuation is caused by an accidental right-to-left (RTL) language or paragraph direction setting applied to the text block.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro XI, click on the 'Edit' menu at the top, and select 'Preferences'.
Navigate to the 'Language' or 'International' category in the left sidebar and ensure the default reading direction is set to Left-to-Right.
When using the Add Text tool, highlight the problematic text, right-click to view text properties, and ensure the paragraph direction is configured for left-to-right alignment.
Change Fonts and Create a New Text Box
Resolve font-specific encoding errors by switching to a standard system font in a freshly created text field.
Migrate to a Newer PDF Editor
Bypass persistent glitches in outdated software by editing the PDF in a currently supported PDF application.
Add Text and Numbers Flawlessly with WPS PDF
If you are struggling with outdated software glitches like reversed text in Acrobat XI, WPS PDF offers a modern, stable, and highly intuitive text editing experience. You can seamlessly add text, numbers, and symbols with perfect left-to-right formatting.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document directly from the home screen.
- 2. Access the Edit Tab: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab located on the top ribbon to reveal the PDF modification tools.
- 3. Insert New Text: Click on 'Insert Text', click anywhere on the page, and type your text and numbers seamlessly without directional errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my text jump around when typing numbers in a PDF?
This usually happens due to conflicting text direction settings, right-to-left language preferences accidentally applied to the text box, or a font encoding issue that misinterprets spacing.
Can I change paragraph direction in Adobe Acrobat XI?
Yes, you can usually adjust this by selecting the text with the Add Text tool, accessing the text formatting properties, and ensuring the left-to-right alignment icon is actively selected.
Is Adobe Acrobat Pro XI still supported by Adobe?
No, Adobe Acrobat XI reached its official end of support on October 15, 2017. It no longer receives security updates or bug fixes, which is why users often encounter unresolved formatting glitches.
Will copying and pasting the text fix the reversed number issue?
Sometimes. Typing the text correctly in a plain text editor like Notepad and then pasting it into the PDF text box can bypass the live-typing directional bug in older software.
