PDF Editing Issues

How to Change Freehand Drawing Color and Line Thickness in Acrobat for iPad

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to configure the color and line thickness of the freehand drawing tool in Adobe Acrobat for iPad but cannot find the settings menu.

How to Change Freehand Drawing Color and Line Thickness in Acrobat for iPad

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: iPad
Scenario: Using the freehand text or drawing tool to annotate and mark up PDF documents on an iPad.
Observed behavior: The tool settings for color and line thickness are not immediately visible before drawing; they only become accessible for configuration after a drawing note has been created and saved.

Before you start

Ensure that your Adobe Acrobat app on the iPad is updated to the latest version and open the PDF document you wish to annotate.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Settings via a Saved Drawing Note

Since the settings are hidden initially, you must create a temporary drawing first, save it, and then edit its properties to set the default color and thickness for future drawings.

In the iPad version of Adobe Acrobat, the properties for the freehand drawing tool are not accessible from the primary toolbar before you start drawing. Instead, the application applies default settings to your first stroke, and you must modify these settings retroactively.

Create a preliminary drawing

Select the freehand drawing tool from the markup menu and draw a simple line or write a small text note on your PDF document.

Save the drawing note

Tap 'Save' or confirm the drawing input so that it is officially added as an annotation to your document.

Access the editing window

Tap directly on the newly saved drawing. A contextual editing window or pop-up menu will appear, displaying the tool settings.

Adjust color and thickness

Select your preferred color and line thickness from this menu and save the changes. Any new freehand drawings you create will now automatically use these latest settings.

Configure Settings via a Saved Drawing Note

Manual Discrepancy: The official Adobe Acrobat manual may contain an incorrect link in the “Comments, Markup, and Draw” section that redirects to “Manage Connectors and Cloud Storage.” Relying on the tap-to-edit method is the correct workaround.

Intuitive PDF Editor Alternative

Annotate PDFs Easily with WPS Office for iPad

Avoid confusing hidden menus and retroactive settings. WPS Office provides an intuitive PDF editing experience on the iPad, allowing you to instantly select your freehand drawing color and line thickness before you even start drawing.

1. Open your PDF document: Launch the WPS Office app on your iPad and open the PDF file you wish to annotate.
2. Access the Annotation tools: Navigate to the 'Annotate' tab at the top of the screen and select the freehand Pen tool.
3. Configure your pen settings: Tap the Pen tool icon to reveal the settings panel immediately, then choose your desired drawing color and line thickness.
4. Start drawing seamlessly: Use your finger or Apple Pencil to draw on the PDF. Your preferred settings are applied from the very first stroke.

Instantly select drawing color and line thickness from the main toolbar before annotatingFully compatible with standard PDF formats and Adobe Acrobat filesOptimized for smooth Apple Pencil integration and precise handwritingIncludes a comprehensive, lightweight suite of free PDF reading and markup tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the color settings before I start drawing in Acrobat for iPad?

Adobe Acrobat for iPad hides the specific pen properties until a drawing note is created and saved. You must draw something, save it, and tap the saved object to access the editing properties to change the defaults.

How do I delete a freehand drawing in Acrobat for iPad?

Tap on the saved freehand drawing to highlight it, then select the 'Delete' option or the trash can icon from the pop-up menu that appears.

Are my freehand annotations saved permanently in the PDF?

Yes, once you save the document, your freehand drawings are saved as standard PDF vector markup elements. They can be viewed and interacted with in any standard PDF reader across different devices.

Can I use an Apple Pencil for freehand drawing in these PDF editors?

Yes, both Adobe Acrobat and WPS Office for iPad fully support the Apple Pencil, providing pressure sensitivity and precise control for freehand text and drawings.

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