PDF Editing Issues

How to Fix Highlighting and Text Box Issues in Adobe Acrobat

Amos Gikunda Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to know how to edit highlights, select text, and add text boxes after an Adobe Acrobat update removed previous gesture shortcuts.

How to Fix Highlighting and Text Box Issues in Adobe Acrobat

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to annotate a PDF using highlights, underlines, and text boxes after updating the application to version 18.09.13.
Observed behavior: Highlights and underlines cannot be edited directly, text selection for new annotations behaves differently, and the tap-and-hold shortcut for inserting a text box is no longer available.

Before you start

Ensure you are familiar with the updated commenting toolbar layout in your current version of Acrobat, as some legacy gesture shortcuts have been replaced by dedicated tool buttons.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Comment Toolbar to Add Text Boxes

Since the tap-and-hold gesture has been removed, you must use the toolbar to insert text into your PDF.

In version 18.09.13 and newer, the tap-and-hold shortcut to quickly place a text box is intentionally disabled to standardize the interface. You will need to access the text tool manually from the main commenting menu.

Open the commenting tools

Tap on the main toolbar to reveal the commenting and annotation options.

Select the Add Text tool

Tap the 'Add Text' icon located within the comment toolbar.

Insert the text

Tap anywhere within the PDF document where you want the text to appear and begin typing.

Use the Comment Toolbar to Add Text Boxes

Solution 2

Highlight Text with the Updated Gesture

Use the newly introduced magnifying glass gesture to accurately select and highlight text.

Solution 3

Edit Notes Associated with Highlights or Underlines

Highlights and underlines cannot be structurally edited once placed, but you can edit their associated notes or delete them entirely.

WPS PDF Tools

Easily Highlight and Annotate PDFs with WPS Office

If you are struggling with confusing gesture updates and missing shortcuts in your current PDF reader, WPS Office provides a highly intuitive, consistent PDF editing experience. Easily add text boxes, highlight text, and manage annotations without the hassle of restrictive UI changes.

1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and select your PDF file.
2. Navigate to the Comment tab: Look at the top ribbon menu and click on the 'Comment' tab to access all annotation tools.
3. Highlight or Add Text Box: Click the 'Highlight' button to instantly select text, or click 'Text Box' to drag and drop text directly onto the page.
4. Save your annotated file: Click 'Save' or press Ctrl+S to securely save your new PDF annotations.

Intuitive and stable interface for all your PDF annotationsSeamless compatibility with standard Adobe PDF formatsEasily add, resize, and edit highlights and text boxesFree to download and available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the tap-and-hold shortcut for adding text disappear?

App updates frequently revise gestures to prevent accidental inputs or to align with a new toolbar layout. In Acrobat version 18.09.13, the shortcut was replaced by a dedicated 'Add Text' button inside the comment toolbar.

Can I resize a highlight or underline if I selected the wrong text?

No, highlights and underlines cannot be dynamically resized or edited once applied in this version. You will need to delete the incorrect annotation and create a new one over the correct text.

How do I change the color of my highlight in Acrobat?

Tap on the highlighted text to select it. A menu will appear where you can open the properties or color palette to choose a different highlight color.

Can I revert to the previous version of Adobe Acrobat?

Rolling back mobile app updates is generally not supported by official app stores. It is highly recommended to adapt to the new commenting toolbar layout or switch to an alternative PDF reader like WPS Office.

PDF Troubleshooting