How to Fix Cannot Copy Highlighted Text in Acrobat Reader
Question details
Users are unable to copy text that has already been highlighted in Acrobat Reader for Android, and some recently opened PDF files are missing from the Recent list.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Attempting to copy highlighted text from a PDF document or trying to locate recently opened PDF files within the application.
- Observed behavior
- The copy function is disabled or unavailable when text is highlighted. Additionally, previously accessed PDF files fail to display in the Recent files list.
Ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat Reader for Android installed from the Google Play Store, as outdated applications can sometimes cause unexpected interface or file access glitches.
Remove Highlights to Copy Text
Since Acrobat Reader for Android restricts copying actively highlighted text, you must temporarily remove the highlight annotation to access the copy function.
This is currently an expected behavior in the app's design. When text is highlighted, tapping it selects the annotation rather than the underlying text, preventing the standard copy menu from appearing.
Tap on the highlighted text that you wish to copy to bring up the annotation menu.
From the pop-up context menu, select the trash icon or delete option to remove the highlight.
Long-press the now plain text to select it, adjust the selector handles if necessary, and tap 'Copy' from the menu.
If you still need the text to be highlighted, long-press the text again and select the 'Highlight' tool to reapply the formatting.
Refresh the Recent Files List
Resolve the issue of PDFs missing from your Recent list by updating the app and manually reopening the files.
Easily Copy Highlighted PDF Text with WPS Office
Avoid the frustrating process of removing and reapplying highlights just to copy text. WPS Office provides a powerful PDF reader and editor for Android that lets you seamlessly select and copy text regardless of its annotations.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office app on your Android device and open the target PDF document.
- 2. Select the highlighted text: Long-press directly on the highlighted text you want to extract to bring up the text selection tool.
- 3. Tap Copy: Choose 'Copy' from the pop-up menu that appears to instantly save the text to your clipboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat Reader prevent copying highlighted text on Android?
Adobe designed the app experience this way; when a highlight annotation is selected, the app prioritizes interacting with the annotation itself over extracting the underlying text, requiring you to remove the highlight first.
Where did my recent PDFs go in Acrobat Reader?
App glitches, an outdated app version, or clearing your device cache can cause files to disappear from the Recent list. Updating the app and manually reopening the files from your device storage usually restores them.
Can I submit a bug report for the highlight copying issue?
Yes. While Adobe currently designates this as expected behavior, you can submit a feature request or bug report through Adobe's official support forums to request a change in future updates.
