How to Find the Article Tool in Acrobat Standard 2017
Question details
The user is unable to locate the Define Article tool after upgrading to a newer software version.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Standard 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Navigating or editing complex PDF documents that require the setup or viewing of article reading threads.
- Observed behavior
- The Define Article tool, which was readily available in Acrobat Standard XI, appears missing or hidden in the standard interface of Acrobat 2017.
Ensure that the Navigation pane is currently visible on the left side of your workspace, as the tool you are looking for is often hidden within context menus in newer software versions.
Enable the Article Tool from the Navigation Panel Context Menu
The Article tool is often hidden by default in newer interfaces but can usually be enabled by right-clicking the Navigation pane.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Standard 2017 and open the PDF file you wish to edit or read.
Look for the Navigation pane on the left side of the screen, which usually houses Bookmarks, Page Thumbnails, and Attachments.
Right-click anywhere in the blank space of the Navigation panel or right-click on the existing icons in the panel margin.
From the context menu that appears, click on 'Article'. This will reveal the Article box or tool in your navigation panel, allowing you to manage reading threads.
Verify Software Edition and Limitations
Determine if your specific edition of Acrobat Standard supports the Define Article feature, as Adobe occasionally limits certain tools to Pro versions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Define Article tool disappear after upgrading to Standard 2017?
Software updates often redesign user interfaces to look cleaner. Lesser-used tools, like the Article box, are frequently moved into right-click context menus or hidden by default to prioritize more common editing tools.
What is the purpose of the Article tool in a PDF document?
The Article tool is used to define a continuous reading thread (or path) through a document. This is especially useful for reading multi-column layouts or magazines, as it guides the reader's view from one section to the next without manual zooming and scrolling.
How do I read an existing article thread without the Define Article tool?
If a PDF document already has an article thread created by the author, you do not need the Define Article tool to read it. Simply select the Hand tool, hover over the article text until a downward arrow appears inside the cursor, and click to start following the reading flow.
