How to Find the Text Box Tool in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Question details
The user is unable to find the Text Box tool required to add text boxes to their PDF documents.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user wants to annotate or edit a PDF document by inserting text boxes.
- Observed behavior
- The Text Box tool appears to be missing or hidden in the Acrobat Pro DC interface.
Ensure you are running the full Adobe Acrobat Pro DC application, as the free Adobe Acrobat Reader has limited editing capabilities.
Access the Text Box Tool via the Comment Pane
The Text Box tool is primarily housed within the Commenting tools in Acrobat Pro DC.
In newer versions of Adobe Acrobat, annotation tools like the Text Box are grouped under the Comment menu rather than the main editing toolbar.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and open the PDF document you wish to edit.
Navigate to the right-side tools pane and click on 'Comment'. If you don't see it, go to 'View' > 'Tools' > 'Comment' > 'Open'.
Look at the new toolbar that appears at the top of the document. Click the 'Text Box' icon (usually represented by a 'T' inside a box).
Click anywhere on the PDF page where you want the text box to appear and start typing.
Check for Software Updates
If the tool is completely missing from the Comment pane, a software glitch or outdated version might be the cause.
Add Text Boxes to PDFs Free with WPS Office
If you're struggling with missing tools or expensive subscriptions, WPS PDF offers an intuitive and free way to add text boxes, annotate, and edit your PDF documents directly.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document.
- 2. Navigate to the Comment Tab: Click on the 'Comment' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Select the Text Box Tool: Click the 'Text Box' button to activate the tool.
- 4. Draw and Type: Click and drag on your PDF page to create the text box, then immediately start typing your content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I edit text in Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Adobe Acrobat Reader is primarily a free viewer. To edit text or add advanced text boxes, you need the paid Adobe Acrobat Pro DC version, or a highly capable free alternative like WPS PDF.
Can I add a text box without a border in Acrobat?
Yes. After adding the text box, right-click on its edge, select 'Properties,' and change the line style or border color to 'No Color' to make the border invisible.
How do I change the default font for text boxes in Acrobat?
Create a text box, format it with your desired font and size using the Properties toolbar, right-click the text box, and select 'Make Current Properties Default'.
What is the difference between 'Add Text' and 'Text Box' in PDFs?
'Add Text' usually edits the underlying PDF document content natively as part of the page layout, while a 'Text Box' is an annotation layered over the document, typically used for comments, notes, or form filling.
