How to Fix Adobe Acrobat Highlighter Becoming Opaque and Covering Text
Question details
The user needs to restore the normal transparency of the PDF highlighter tool after it incorrectly creates a solid color block over text.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Highlighting and annotating text within a PDF document using custom colors.
- Observed behavior
- After changing the highlighter color, the highlight annotation becomes completely opaque and masks the underlying text. Adjusting the opacity slider fails to resolve the transparency issue.
Before applying updates or changing settings, save a copy of your current PDF document to ensure your existing annotations and comments are not accidentally lost.
Update Adobe Acrobat to the Latest Version
Since Adobe has identified this as a known software glitch, installing the latest product update is the most reliable way to apply the official patch.
Software developers frequently release patches to fix bugs related to rendering and annotation tools. Updating your application ensures you receive Adobe's official fix for the opaque highlighter bug.
Launch Adobe Acrobat on your computer.
Click on the 'Help' option located in the top menu bar.
Select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown list. Wait for the application to scan for available updates.
If an update is available, click 'Download and Install' and restart Acrobat once the installation is complete.
Use Default Highlighter Colors Temporarily
Reverting to the default highlighting settings avoids triggering the opacity bug associated with customizing colors.
Utilize Alternative Annotation Tools
Using different markup tools like underline or strikethrough allows you to continue reviewing documents without covering the text.
Highlight PDF Text Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid frustrating opaque highlighter bugs by switching to the reliable WPS PDF editor. WPS Office allows you to highlight, annotate, and edit PDFs smoothly with full control over colors and perfect transparency.
- 1. Launch WPS Office: Open WPS Office and select 'PDF Edit' from the main dashboard.
- 2. Open Your Document: Browse and open the PDF file you wish to annotate.
- 3. Access the Comment Tab: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab located on the top ribbon.
- 4. Select the Highlighter: Click on the 'Highlight' tool and choose your preferred custom color without worrying about opacity bugs.
- 5. Highlight the Text: Drag your cursor seamlessly over the text to apply a perfectly transparent, colorful highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my highlighter cover the text completely in Adobe Acrobat?
This behavior is caused by a known software glitch in specific versions of Acrobat where customizing the highlight color incorrectly alters the blend mode to a solid, opaque state.
Can I adjust the opacity slider to fix the solid highlight issue?
In the case of this specific software bug, adjusting the opacity slider may not work to restore transparency. The best solution is to update the application or use default colors.
How do I remove the opaque blocks currently covering my PDF text?
Select the Selection tool (arrow icon), click directly on the opaque colored block, and press the 'Delete' key on your keyboard to remove the annotation and reveal the text.
Is there a permanent fix for the Acrobat highlighter opacity bug?
Yes, because Adobe has recognized this as a bug, the permanent fix is distributed via official software updates. Simply navigate to Help > Check for Updates to install the patch.
