How to Fix Cannot Comment on PDFs Online for Creative Cloud Users
Question details
A user cannot add comments to PDF documents online without receiving a prompt to purchase an additional Acrobat Pro subscription.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to add comments and annotations to a PDF file online using a Creative Cloud account.
- Observed behavior
- The system blocks the commenting action and prompts the user to buy an Acrobat Pro subscription, indicating a potential licensing or file permission restriction.
Ensure you are logged into your correct Creative Cloud account online, and verify that your current subscription plan actually includes premium Adobe Acrobat features.
Verify PDF Security Settings and Permissions
The PDF document itself may have specific security restrictions applied by the author that prevent any commenting or editing capabilities.
Even with an active Acrobat Pro subscription, you cannot comment on a file if the original creator has locked it down with a permissions password.
Launch Adobe Acrobat or your default PDF reader and open the problematic PDF document.
Click on 'File' in the top left corner of the menu bar, then select 'Properties' from the dropdown list.
Navigate to the 'Security' tab within the Document Properties window.
Look under the 'Document Restrictions Summary' and check if 'Commenting' is marked as 'Allowed' or 'Not Allowed'. If it is not allowed, you will need the permissions password to unlock the file.
Confirm Creative Cloud Subscription Plan
Verify if your specific Creative Cloud tier includes online PDF commenting, as not all plans grant full Acrobat Pro access.
Add Comments to PDFs Easily for Free with WPS Office
If you are encountering subscription prompts or licensing issues online, you can easily open, read, and comment on any non-restricted PDF document for free using WPS Office.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the official website and open the application.
- 2. Open Your PDF File: Select the 'PDF' option from the home screen and open your target document.
- 3. Access Comment Tools: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab located in the top ribbon menu to reveal all annotation tools.
- 4. Add Your Annotations: Select your preferred tool, such as 'Highlight', 'Text Box', or 'Sticky Note', and apply it directly to the document.
- 5. Save the Document: Click 'Save' or press Ctrl+S to preserve the newly added comments to your PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF say commenting is not allowed?
The author or creator of the PDF document has applied security restrictions. You can confirm this by going to File > Properties > Security and viewing the Document Restrictions Summary to see if commenting is blocked.
Does my Creative Cloud subscription include Acrobat Pro?
It depends on your specific subscription plan. The 'All Apps' plan includes Acrobat Pro, but 'Single App' or 'Photography' plans generally do not, which is why you may be prompted to upgrade when using premium PDF features online.
Can I comment on a PDF online for free without Adobe?
Yes, many alternative desktop software options and online tools, such as WPS PDF, allow you to add basic comments, highlights, and annotations to standard, unrestricted PDF files without requiring a premium subscription.
