PDF Editing Issues

How to Edit or Annotate PDFs in the Acrobat Mobile App

Muhammad Talha Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to edit text and layouts or add annotations to a PDF document using the Adobe Acrobat mobile application.

How to Edit or Annotate PDF Documents in the Acrobat Mobile App

Product: Adobe Acrobat Mobile App
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Modifying or marking up a PDF document while working on a mobile device.
Observed behavior: The Acrobat mobile app does not permit direct editing of PDF text and layout, requiring users to rely on the Comment feature for annotations or switch to a computer for full editing.

Before you start

Ensure you have the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat mobile app installed on your device and that your PDF file is not strictly locked or encrypted against commenting.

Solution 1Recommended

Annotate and Comment in the Acrobat Mobile App

Use the built-in commenting tools in the Acrobat mobile app to add highlights, sticky notes, and freehand drawings to your PDF.

While direct text and layout editing are restricted on the mobile version of Adobe Acrobat, you can fully utilize its markup and annotation features to review documents on the go.

Open your PDF document

Launch the Adobe Acrobat mobile app and tap on the PDF file you wish to review.

Access the action menu

Tap the blue pencil icon located in the lower-right corner of the screen, or tap the three-dot menu icon in the top toolbar.

Select the Comment option

Choose 'Comment' from the menu list to open the annotation toolbar.

Apply your annotations

Select the specific tool you need, such as the highlighter, text box, or drawing tool, and apply your marks directly onto the PDF pages.

Annotate and Comment in the Acrobat Mobile App

Editing Limitations: The Acrobat mobile app is designed primarily for viewing and annotating. It does not support direct editing of existing PDF text or page layouts.

Solution 2

Edit PDF Text and Layout on a Computer

Switch to the desktop version of Adobe Acrobat to perform deep edits on existing PDF text, images, and layouts.

Seamless PDF Editing Alternative

Edit and Annotate PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office

Bypass mobile editing limitations with WPS Office. WPS provides robust PDF editing features on both mobile and desktop, allowing you to modify text, adjust layouts, and annotate documents directly from your phone or PC.

1. Download and install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office app from your device's app store or official website.
2. Open your PDF file: Launch WPS Office, navigate to your files, and open the target PDF document.
3. Edit PDF text directly: Tap the 'PDF Edit' tool in the menu to instantly modify existing text, font sizes, and layouts right from your screen.
4. Save and share: Once your edits and annotations are complete, save the document to preserve your changes seamlessly.

Directly edit existing PDF text and images on your mobile deviceComprehensive annotation tools for highlighting, drawing, and commentingFully compatible with standard Adobe PDF formats and Microsoft Office documentsLightweight app that syncs seamlessly across mobile and desktop platforms

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I edit existing text in the Acrobat mobile app?

The Adobe Acrobat mobile app is primarily optimized for viewing, signing, and annotating documents. Full text and layout editing requires the robust processing power and feature set available only in the Adobe Acrobat desktop application.

How do I highlight text in the Acrobat mobile app?

To highlight text, open your document and tap the blue pencil icon or the three-dot menu. Select 'Comment', tap the highlighter tool on the bottom toolbar, and then drag your finger over the text you wish to highlight.

Are annotations made on the mobile app visible when opened on a computer?

Yes, as long as you save the document after adding your annotations, all comments, highlights, and drawings will be embedded in the PDF and fully visible when opened in standard PDF readers on any computer.

Is it possible to edit PDFs on mobile without using a computer?

While the Acrobat mobile app restricts this, you can use alternative applications like WPS Office, which feature powerful built-in PDF editing tools that allow you to modify text and layouts directly from your mobile device.

PDF Troubleshooting