How to Customize Toolbars and Use Panels in Acrobat Reading Mode
Question details
The user wants to add editing tools like Crop and Highlight to a vertical navigation pane and access task panes while in full-screen or reading mode.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat XI
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the PDF viewer workspace to access editing tools efficiently while reading or presenting.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat's Reading Mode and Full-Screen Mode automatically hide editing toolbars and task panes to maximize document viewing space.
Ensure your PDF software is properly activated, and familiarize yourself with the default Tools and Navigation panes located on the right and left sides of your screen.
Customize the Quick Tools Area and Manage Panes in Acrobat
Since the Navigation pane cannot serve as a vertical editing toolbar in newer Acrobat versions, customize the Quick Tools area or use the dedicated Tools pane instead.
Acrobat XI redesigned the interface from Acrobat 9. The left-hand Navigation pane is restricted to document navigation features like bookmarks, pages, and attachments. To keep tools accessible, you must add them to the top Quick Tools toolbar or use the right-hand Tools pane.
Reading Mode is specifically designed to maximize viewing space, which intentionally hides editing panels. To use tools like Crop or Highlight, you will generally need to exit Reading Mode or rely on keyboard shortcuts.
Right-click on the top toolbar area in Acrobat and select 'Customize Quick Tools'.
Locate the 'Highlight' and 'Crop' tools from the expandable categories on the left side of the dialog box.
Click the upward arrow icon to add these specific tools to your Quick Tools toolbar at the top of the screen.
Press the 'Esc' key or click the 'View' menu and deselect 'Reading Mode' to restore your standard editing panes and toolbars.
Use WPS PDF for an Intuitive Reading and Editing Experience
If you find Acrobat's interface changes frustrating, WPS Office offers a built-in PDF reader and editor that provides an intuitive, customizable toolbar. Easily highlight text, crop pages, and switch between reading modes without losing access to your essential tools.
- 1. Open PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document.
- 2. Access Markup Tools: Go to the 'Comment' tab to immediately access highlighting, drawing, and text markup tools.
- 3. Crop Pages: To crop or modify pages, navigate to the 'Page' tab and select the 'Crop Page' tool.
- 4. Use Read Mode: Click the 'Read Mode' button at the bottom right to enter a distraction-free view while retaining quick access to the floating markup toolbar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put editing tools in the left Navigation pane in Acrobat XI?
No, newer versions of Acrobat restrict the left Navigation pane to document navigation features like Bookmarks and Page Thumbnails. Editing tools must be placed in the Quick Tools top bar or the right-hand Tools pane.
How do I quickly exit Reading Mode in my PDF reader?
You can quickly exit Reading Mode by pressing the 'Esc' key on your keyboard, or by clicking the floating toolbar that appears near the bottom of the screen and selecting the exit icon.
Why did my toolbars disappear when viewing a PDF?
This usually means you have accidentally entered Reading Mode or Full Screen mode, which automatically hides toolbars to maximize screen space for the document. Pressing 'Esc' usually brings the toolbars back.
Is it possible to lock the Tools pane open?
Yes, in standard viewing mode, you can expand the right-hand Tools pane. It will remain open for that document unless you enter Reading Mode or manually collapse it.
