How to Fix the 'Please Wait While Document Is Prepared for Reading' PDF Message
Question details
Users need to bypass or disable a recurring, slow loading screen that states a document is being prepared for reading when opening PDF files.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening medium to large-sized PDF documents for standard viewing.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF reader forces the user to wait while it processes the entire file for reading, taking several seconds per page and repeating the process every time the same document is opened.
Before altering your PDF reader settings, verify that your software is updated to the latest version, as performance bugs related to document processing are often patched in newer releases.
Disable Assistive Technology Support in Preferences
Turning off assistive technology features stops the software from scanning the entire document for screen readers, significantly speeding up the opening process.
By default, Adobe Acrobat prepares documents for screen readers when they are opened. If you do not rely on assistive technologies, disabling this feature is the most effective way to eliminate the waiting time.
Open your PDF reader, navigate to the 'Edit' menu at the top, and click on 'Preferences'. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K.
In the Preferences window, look at the left-hand sidebar and select the 'Accessibility' category.
Locate the 'Other Accessibility Options' section. Uncheck the box next to 'Enable assistive technology support'.
Click the 'OK' button at the bottom of the window to apply the changes. Close and reopen your PDF document to verify the fix.
Change Reading Preferences to Only Read Visible Pages
If you still need some accessibility features but want to bypass the long loading time, changing how the document is read can prevent the full-document scan.
Open Large PDF Files Instantly with WPS PDF
If your current PDF reader keeps getting stuck on the "preparing for reading" message, try WPS PDF. It is built to be lightweight and highly optimized, opening large documents instantly without forced background scanning.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office Free.
- 2. Launch WPS PDF: Open the WPS Office application and click on the 'PDF' tab on the home screen.
- 3. Open Your Document: Click 'Open' and select your large PDF file. It will load instantly without the frustrating preparation delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 'Please wait while the document is prepared for reading' message appear?
This message appears because the PDF reader's accessibility feature is automatically scanning the text and structure of the entire document to prepare it for screen readers. This resource-intensive process takes significant time for documents with complex formatting or numerous pages.
Can I disable the content-preparation progress message permanently?
Yes. By navigating to your PDF reader's Preferences, selecting the Accessibility tab, and unchecking 'Enable assistive technology support', you can permanently stop this message from appearing.
Why does my computer freeze when this message shows up?
Processing a large PDF for screen reading requires significant CPU and RAM usage. If your computer lacks sufficient resources, or if the PDF has high-resolution graphics, the application may temporarily freeze while trying to process the data.
Will disabling assistive technology affect how my PDF looks or prints?
No. Disabling assistive technology support only stops the software from preparing the document for screen readers and voice-over tools. It does not alter the layout, fonts, or print quality of your PDF file.
