PDF Editing Issues

How to Fix Cannot Add Bookmarks to a Scanned PDF in Adobe Acrobat

Elise Williams Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to add bookmarks to a scanned PDF document, despite being able to add them to standard PDF files without issues.

How to Fix Cannot Add Bookmarks to a Scanned PDF in Adobe Acrobat

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to organize and navigate a scanned document by inserting custom bookmarks.
Observed behavior: The bookmark functionality is unavailable, restricted, or fails to apply when working specifically with a scanned PDF.

Before you start

Ensure you are using a paid version of Adobe Acrobat (Standard or Pro) rather than the free Acrobat Reader, as the free version does not support bookmark creation.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Document Security and Restrictions

Scanned PDFs or downloaded files often have security restrictions or digital signatures that prevent any form of editing, including adding bookmarks.

If a document is protected by a password or has been digitally signed to prevent tampering, Acrobat will lock down editing features. You must verify the document properties and remove these restrictions before managing bookmarks.

Open Document Properties

Open your scanned PDF in Adobe Acrobat, click on 'File' in the top left menu, and select 'Properties'.

Check Security Settings

Navigate to the 'Security' tab and review the 'Document Restrictions Summary'. Look for 'Changing the Document' to ensure it is marked as Allowed.

Remove Restrictions

If the document is restricted and you have the permissions or password, change the Security Method dropdown to 'No Security' and save the file.

Remove Document Security and Restrictions

Digital Signatures: If the document contains a certified digital signature, it is permanently locked from editing. You will need to request an unsigned copy from the original author to add bookmarks.

Solution 2

Run Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Convert the raw scanned images into selectable text so Acrobat can properly anchor and structure your bookmarks.

Efficient PDF Editing Solution

Easily Add Bookmarks to Any PDF with WPS Office

Bypass complex Acrobat settings and use WPS Office to effortlessly manage, edit, and add bookmarks to both standard and scanned PDF documents in just a few clicks.

1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your scanned PDF document.
2. Access the Bookmark Panel: Navigate to the left sidebar and click on the 'Bookmark' icon to open the navigation pane.
3. Add a New Bookmark: Scroll to the specific page you want to mark and click the '+' icon to insert a new bookmark.
4. Rename and Save: Type a descriptive name for your new bookmark and press Enter to save it for easy navigation.

Fully compatible with standard Adobe PDF formatsIntuitive bookmarking and navigation panelLightweight and resource-friendly PDF editing toolBuilt-in OCR to easily manage text in scanned documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the bookmark option disabled or grayed out in my PDF?

The bookmark option usually grays out if the document has security restrictions, contains a certifying digital signature, or if you are viewing the file in a free reader application that lacks editing capabilities.

Can I add bookmarks using Adobe Acrobat Reader?

No, the free Adobe Acrobat Reader does not support creating new bookmarks. You will need a premium version like Acrobat Pro or a capable alternative like WPS Office.

How do I check if my PDF is secured against editing?

In Acrobat, go to File > Properties, and click on the Security tab. Check the Document Restrictions Summary to see if 'Changing the Document' is set to Not Allowed.

Does running OCR change the appearance of my scanned document?

No, OCR simply recognizes the text and places a hidden, selectable text layer over the original scanned image. The visual appearance of your document remains exactly the same.

PDF Troubleshooting