PDF Editing Issues

How to Fix Missing Pen Tool in Adobe Acrobat iPad

Maira Mehtab Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are unable to locate the pen tool for commenting in Adobe Acrobat Pro on the iPad after a recent app update.

How to Find and Fix the Pen Tool in Adobe Acrobat on iPad

Product: Adobe Acrobat Pro
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Trying to draw or write on a PDF document using the pen tool in the Comments section.
Observed behavior: The traditional pen icon appears missing from the toolbar because it has been replaced by a free-form drawing icon.

Before you start

Make sure your iPad is connected to the internet and check the App Store to confirm you are running the latest version of Adobe Acrobat.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Free-Form Drawing Tool

Adobe has replaced the traditional pen icon with a free-form drawing icon. You can find it in the same Comments toolbar.

With recent updates to Adobe Acrobat Pro on mobile devices, the user interface has changed. The pen tool has not been removed; instead, its icon has been redesigned into a free-form drawing icon to better reflect its function.

Open your PDF document

Launch Adobe Acrobat on your iPad and open the PDF file you wish to annotate.

Access the action menu

Tap the blue pen icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the action menu.

Open Comments

Tap on 'Comments' from the popup menu to display the annotation toolbar.

Select the new drawing tool

Look at the comment toolbar and tap the third icon from the right. This is the new free-form drawing tool that replaces the old pen icon.

Use Apple Pencil: Once selected, you can immediately begin drawing or writing on your document using your finger or an Apple Pencil.

Solution 2

Update Adobe Acrobat App

If the free-form drawing icon is completely missing from your toolbar, you may be experiencing an app glitch that requires an update.

Draw and Annotate PDFs Easily

Use WPS Office for Intuitive PDF Annotation on iPad

If navigating interface changes in Adobe Acrobat is slowing you down, WPS Office offers a straightforward, user-friendly PDF editor. You can easily access a dedicated pen tool to draw, sign, and highlight directly on your PDF documents without searching through hidden menus.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the App Store and open the application on your iPad.
2. Open the PDF: Navigate to your files within the app and tap on the PDF document you want to edit.
3. Access Annotation Tools: Tap on 'Annotation' or 'Edit' in the top menu bar to reveal the PDF markup tools.
4. Select the Pen Tool: Tap the easily identifiable 'Pen' icon to start drawing or writing freehand on your PDF document immediately.

Clear and easy-to-find PDF annotation tools including Pen, Highlighter, and ShapesSeamless compatibility with standard PDF formats and Adobe Acrobat filesHighly responsive Apple Pencil support for natural writing and drawingFree, lightweight application optimized for iPad and cross-platform use

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the pen tool disappear in Adobe Acrobat iPad?

In a recent interface update, Adobe redesigned the commenting toolbar. The traditional pen icon was replaced with a 'free-form drawing' icon, which functions exactly the same but looks different. It is typically the third icon from the right in the Comments menu.

Does the free-form drawing tool support Apple Pencil?

Yes, the new free-form drawing tool in Adobe Acrobat for iPad is fully optimized for the Apple Pencil, allowing for pressure-sensitive writing, drawing, and precise markups on your PDF files.

What should I do if the Comments toolbar won't load on my iPad?

If the toolbar is unresponsive or invisible, try force-closing the Adobe Acrobat app. Ensure your iPadOS is up to date, and check the App Store for any pending updates for Acrobat. Reopening the app after an update usually resolves toolbar glitches.

Can I revert to the old Adobe Acrobat interface on my iPad?

No, iOS and iPadOS do not natively support rolling back apps to previous versions. You will need to adapt to the new interface, or consider switching to a different PDF editor like WPS Office if the new layout disrupts your workflow.

PDF Troubleshooting