PDF Editing Issues

How to Erase PDF Annotations and Scroll with S Pen in Acrobat Reader

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to erase freehand annotations and safely scroll through PDF documents using the S Pen in Adobe Acrobat Reader on a Samsung tablet.

How to Erase PDF Annotations and Scroll with the S Pen in Acrobat Reader

Product: Adobe Acrobat Reader
Device & OS: Samsung tablet
Scenario: Drawing and annotating on a PDF document using an S Pen, where the user needs to erase mistakes and navigate pages.
Observed behavior: Acrobat Reader lacks a dedicated eraser tool for freehand annotations, and single-finger or S Pen swipes draw unwanted marks instead of scrolling the page.

Before you start

Make sure that your Adobe Acrobat Reader app is fully updated from the Google Play Store and that your S Pen is functioning properly on your tablet screen.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Two-Finger Scrolling with the S Pen

Since a single touch with the S Pen or finger will draw on the document while in annotation mode, use a specific touch gesture to scroll safely.

When the annotation tools are active, Adobe Acrobat Reader interprets standard touch inputs as drawing commands. To navigate the document without exiting the tool, you must use a multi-touch gesture.

Activate annotation mode

Open your PDF and ensure your freehand drawing tool is selected and active for the S Pen.

Place two fingers on the screen

Instead of using the S Pen or a single finger, place two fingers simultaneously anywhere on the document screen.

Swipe to scroll

Swipe up or down with both fingers to scroll through the PDF pages without creating any unwanted ink marks.

Smooth Navigation: This two-finger gesture allows you to seamlessly switch between drawing with the S Pen and navigating the document with your other hand.

Solution 2

Workarounds for Removing Freehand Annotations

Because Adobe Acrobat Reader does not currently provide a dedicated eraser tool for freehand drawings, you must use the undo or delete functions to remove mistakes.

Advanced PDF Editor Alternative

Easily Erase PDF Annotations with WPS Office

If you find the lack of a dedicated eraser tool in Acrobat Reader frustrating, WPS Office provides a powerful PDF editor with comprehensive stylus support. It includes a true eraser tool, making freehand annotation corrections seamless and intuitive on your tablet.

1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office app on your tablet and open the PDF document you wish to annotate.
2. Access the Annotation Tools: Tap on the 'Edit' or 'Annotation' tab located in the top menu to reveal the drawing toolbar.
3. Select the Eraser: Tap the 'Eraser' icon in the toolbar, then simply drag your S Pen over any freehand annotations to remove them instantly.

Dedicated eraser tool for quick and precise annotation correctionsFully compatible with standard PDF formats and Microsoft Office filesOptimized stylus and touch controls for seamless scrolling and drawing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my S Pen draw lines instead of scrolling in Acrobat Reader?

When the drawing or annotation tool is active, Acrobat Reader defaults to capturing all single-point inputs (like your S Pen or one finger) as drawing strokes. You must use a two-finger swipe gesture to scroll the page while this mode is active.

Will Adobe add a dedicated eraser tool for S Pen users?

Adobe has not provided a specific timeline for adding a dedicated eraser tool to the Android app. Users are encouraged to submit and vote on feature requests through the Adobe Acrobat UserVoice portal to prioritize its development.

How do I undo a mistake in Acrobat Reader without an eraser?

You can either tap the Undo icon in the top toolbar to instantly revert your most recent stroke, or you can exit the drawing tool, tap the specific annotation stroke you want to remove, and select Delete from the pop-up menu.

PDF Troubleshooting