How to Change Text Height and Font Style in Adobe Acrobat Text Boxes
Question details
The user needs to know how to adjust the font size, height, and style of text inside PDF text boxes.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat X
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting text when using the Add Text Box, Typewriter, or Comment Text Box tools in a PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- The formatting options for changing text height and font style are not visibly displayed by default when using text tools.
Ensure your PDF document is not restricted from editing or commenting, as security settings may disable the text formatting and properties tools.
Enable the Properties Bar with Keyboard Shortcuts
Use the built-in keyboard shortcut to instantly display the hidden Properties Bar, which contains all font, style, and color options for text tools.
In Adobe Acrobat, the formatting options for comments and typewriter tools are located in the Properties Bar, which is often hidden by default to save screen space.
Select the Add Text Box, Typewriter, or Comment Text Box tool depending on what you are trying to add to the PDF.
Press Ctrl+E on Windows or Command+E on Mac. Alternatively, you can navigate to View > Toolbars > Properties Bar.
Double-click inside the text box and highlight the specific text you wish to format.
Use the newly opened Properties Bar to change the font type, text size (height), color, and style.
Resize Text Form Fields Using the Arrow Tool
If you are working with an interactive Text Form Field rather than a static comment box, you can directly adjust the physical height of the box.
Format PDF Text Boxes Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a highly intuitive PDF editor where text formatting options are always visible, eliminating the need to search for hidden properties bars.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document in the PDF Editor.
- 2. Insert a Text Box: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab and select 'Text Box' to add new content, or use the 'Edit' tool to select existing text.
- 3. Highlight the text: Click inside the text box and highlight your text. A floating formatting toolbar will appear instantly.
- 4. Adjust text settings: Directly modify the font style, text size, and color using the visible toolbar without navigating complex menus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ctrl+E not showing the text formatting options?
The Properties Bar is context-sensitive. If you only select the outer border of the text box, it will show options for the box's border and fill. You must double-click inside the box and highlight the actual text to see font and size options.
How do I set a default font for the Typewriter tool?
Select the Typewriter tool, click anywhere to start typing, and press Ctrl+E to open the Properties. Choose your preferred font and size. Then, right-click the text and select 'Make Current Properties Default'.
Can I change the text box height without changing the font size?
Yes. By selecting the text box with the Selection (Arrow) tool and dragging its corner handles, you can change the physical dimensions of the container without altering the actual font size of the text inside.
Why can't I edit the text in a PDF I received?
The PDF may be restricted by security permissions that prevent commenting and editing, or the text may have been flattened into an image. You can check the file's restrictions under Document Properties > Security.
