PDF Editing Issues

How to Disable Finger Drawing When Using Apple Pencil in PDF on iPad

Phi Hung Vo Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to annotate PDF documents using an Apple Pencil on an iPad without their fingers leaving unwanted marks, allowing them to scroll normally with a single finger.

How to Disable Finger Drawing When Using Apple Pencil in PDF on iPad

Product: PDF Editor
Device & OS: iOS / iPadOS
Scenario: Annotating a PDF document on an iPad using an Apple Pencil.
Observed behavior: The PDF app registers finger touches as drawing inputs during annotation mode instead of scrolling, forcing the user to use a two-finger gesture to navigate the document.

Before you start

Ensure your Apple Pencil is properly paired with your iPad and check if your specific PDF application has a dedicated 'Stylus Only' or palm rejection mode in its app settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Two-Finger Scrolling During Annotation Mode

Since some PDF apps like Adobe Acrobat do not currently offer a toggle to completely disable finger drawing, you must use a two-finger gesture to navigate the document while keeping the markup tools active.

In certain PDF readers, annotation mode treats all single-touch inputs as drawing tools by default. To bypass this without constantly turning the pen tool on and off, the application relies on multi-touch gestures for navigation.

Enter Annotation Mode

Tap the pen or comment icon in your PDF application's toolbar to start annotating the document.

Annotate with Apple Pencil

Use your Apple Pencil to draw, highlight, or write notes directly on the PDF page.

Scroll with Two Fingers

To move up, down, or sideways around the page without leaving accidental ink marks, place two fingers on the iPad screen simultaneously and swipe.

Use Two-Finger Scrolling During Annotation Mode

Feature Limitation: If you are using Adobe Acrobat and wish to request a dedicated setting that disables finger drawing entirely, consider submitting feedback through the Acrobat UserVoice form so their product team can review it for future updates.

Seamless PDF Annotation

Use WPS Office for Better Apple Pencil Support

WPS PDF offers an optimized reading and annotation experience on the iPad. It intelligently distinguishes between Apple Pencil inputs for drawing and finger gestures for scrolling, providing a seamless, paper-like workflow without the need for awkward two-finger navigation.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office from the Apple App Store on your iPad.
2. Open Your PDF: Launch the application and open the PDF document you wish to review and edit.
3. Start Annotating: Select the 'Annotation' tools from the top menu bar and begin writing naturally with your Apple Pencil.
4. Scroll Naturally: Simply swipe with one finger to scroll through the document pages. The app will automatically register the Pencil for drawing and your finger for navigation.

Intelligent palm rejection and stylus detection for iPad usersScroll naturally with one finger while annotating seamlessly with an Apple PencilFully compatible with standard Adobe PDF annotations and formatsLightweight, fast, and completely free for standard PDF reading and markup tasks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPad draw lines when I try to scroll in a PDF?

When a PDF app's annotation or drawing mode is active, it often treats single-touch inputs as drawing tools. If the app lacks a dedicated 'Stylus Only' mode, you usually need to use two fingers to scroll to avoid leaving stray marks.

Can I turn off finger drawing in the iPadOS settings globally?

Yes, you can enable 'Only Draw with Apple Pencil' in the iPad's main Settings app under the 'Apple Pencil' section. However, some third-party PDF apps override this system setting, requiring app-specific workarounds like two-finger scrolling.

What is palm rejection on an iPad?

Palm rejection is a hardware and software feature that allows the iPad screen to ignore the touch of your hand resting on the display while you use an Apple Pencil. This prevents unwanted marks and accidental gestures while you write or draw.

PDF Troubleshooting