PDF Editing Issues

How to Delete or Remove Highlights from a PDF in Acrobat Reader

Anum Mushtaq Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to remove existing highlight formatting from text within a PDF document using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How to Delete or Remove Highlights from a PDF in Acrobat Reader

Product: Adobe Acrobat Reader
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing or reviewing a PDF document where unnecessary or incorrect text highlights need to be cleared.
Observed behavior: The user needs to locate the specific highlight comments and use the deletion tools in Acrobat Reader to remove the color formatting from the text.

Before you start

Ensure that the PDF document is not restricted by permissions or locked with a password that prevents editing and commenting.

Solution 1Recommended

Delete Highlights Directly from the Document Text

The fastest way to remove a highlight is by interacting directly with the highlighted text in the document view.

This method works best when you are reading through the document and only need to remove a few specific highlights as you spot them.

Select the highlight

Click directly on the highlighted area in the PDF document to open its pop-up comment options.

Open the menu

Click on the three-dot menu icon that appears within the highlight comment box.

Delete the highlight

Select 'Delete' from the dropdown menu to instantly remove the highlight from the text.

Delete Highlights Directly from the Document Text

Solution 2

Remove Highlights Using the Comment List Pane

If you cannot click the highlight directly or have multiple highlights to manage, use the Comment List pane to locate and remove them.

Easy PDF Editor Alternative

Easily Add and Remove PDF Highlights with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a highly intuitive and free PDF reader and editor. You can effortlessly manage annotations, add highlights, or delete them in seconds with a clean, user-friendly interface.

1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document. The software will automatically detect all existing annotations.
2. Select the highlighted text: Click directly on the highlighted text you wish to remove. A small toolbar will appear next to your cursor.
3. Delete the highlight: Click the 'Trash' or 'Delete' icon on the floating toolbar to instantly remove the highlight color.

Easily remove, change, or add text highlights with a single click.Fully compatible with standard PDF annotations from Adobe Acrobat and other PDF tools.Lightweight software that opens large PDF files instantly without lagging.Includes a comprehensive suite of PDF tools for merging, splitting, and converting documents.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I delete a highlight in my PDF?

If you cannot delete a highlight, the PDF might be locked for editing, digitally signed, or the highlight may have been flattened into the base image of the document rather than added as a standard annotation.

Can I delete all highlights at once in Adobe Acrobat Reader?

Yes, you can open the Comment List pane, hold down the 'Ctrl' (Windows) or 'Command' (Mac) key to select multiple highlights in the list, right-click, and choose 'Delete' to remove them simultaneously.

Does removing a highlight delete the underlying text?

No, removing a highlight only deletes the colored annotation overlay. The original text underneath will remain completely intact and unaffected.

How do I change the color of a highlight instead of deleting it?

Right-click the highlighted text, select 'Properties', navigate to the 'Appearance' tab, and choose a new color from the color palette before clicking 'OK'.

PDF Troubleshooting