How to Fix Freehand Tool Palm Rejection and Multi-Page Drawing in PDF
Question details
The user is experiencing limited palm rejection while using the freehand drawing tool and facing issues with strokes disappearing when drawing across multiple pages.

- Product
- PDF Reader/Editor
- Device & OS
- iOS / iPadOS
- Scenario
- Annotating or drawing on a PDF document using an Apple Pencil or stylus on a touch-enabled device.
- Observed behavior
- The freehand tool accepts both hand and pencil inputs, leading to palm interference. Continuous drawings that extend across multiple pages disappear from the previous page because annotations are applied strictly per page.
Ensure you are using the latest version of your PDF application and clean your device screen to minimize unintended touch inputs while drawing.
Manage Multi-Page Annotations and Stylus Input
Adjust your drawing technique to accommodate single-page annotation limits and minimize palm interference.
Currently, many PDF applications process freehand annotations on a per-page basis. This means a continuous stroke cannot cross the boundary between two pages without clipping or disappearing from the previous page. Furthermore, the application detects both touch and Apple Pencil inputs by default, lacking an exclusive stylus-only mode.
Keep your freehand strokes confined to a single page at a time. Do not drag the pen across the gap between two pages to prevent the stroke from being discarded.
Before beginning a new drawing on the next page, explicitly tap or scroll to that page to set it as the active annotation area.
Since an exclusive 'Apple Pencil only' mode is unavailable in the current setup, try to rest your hand on a non-active area of the screen or use a specialized drawing glove to prevent unintended marks.

Annotate and Draw on PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a robust PDF editor with intuitive drawing and annotation tools. Whether you are using a stylus, mouse, or touch device, WPS PDF ensures smooth highlighting, freehand drawing, and markup without frustrating limitations.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your device and open the PDF document you wish to annotate.
- 2. Access the Comment tools: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab on the top ribbon to reveal the comprehensive annotation toolbar.
- 3. Select the Freehand tool: Click or tap on the 'Graffiti' or 'Draw' icon to activate the freehand pen.
- 4. Customize and draw: Adjust the color, thickness, and opacity of your pen, then draw directly onto the specific document page.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my freehand drawing disappear when I draw across two PDF pages?
Most PDF applications process annotations on a per-page basis. When a continuous stroke crosses the boundary between two pages, the software struggles to assign the drawn object to a specific page, often causing it to disappear. To fix this, keep your drawing strokes within the boundaries of a single page.
Can I force the PDF freehand tool to only recognize my Apple Pencil?
In certain PDF readers, the freehand tool accepts both hand and stylus input by default and lacks a 'stylus-only' toggle. You may need to rely on the device's native palm rejection settings or avoid resting your bare hand on the screen while drawing.
How do I correctly add freehand annotations to a different page?
To successfully add a drawing to a new page, make sure you scroll to and tap on that specific page to make it the active area before you start drawing with the freehand tool.
Is there a way to improve palm rejection while drawing on a tablet?
If the specific application lacks dedicated palm rejection settings, you can improve your drawing experience by using a specialized tablet drawing glove, ensuring your screen is free from moisture and dirt, or checking if your device's operating system has global settings to prioritize stylus input.




