How to Hide the Tools Panel Permanently in Acrobat DC
Question details
The user wants to prevent the right-side Tools panel from automatically opening every time they view a document in Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC / Acrobat Reader DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing PDF documents and needing more screen space without being distracted by unnecessary side panels.
- Observed behavior
- The right-side Tools panel opens by default with every document, taking up valuable screen real estate.
Ensure you have installed the latest updates for Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader DC, as workspace memory behaviors and interface options differ significantly between product versions.
Disable the Tools Pane via Preferences (Acrobat Reader DC)
Change the built-in preference setting in Acrobat Reader to prevent the Tools panel from opening by default.
Acrobat Reader DC includes a specific global preference that stops the Tools pane from launching automatically. This allows you to open all future PDFs with a clean viewing interface.
Launch Acrobat Reader DC. On Windows, click 'Edit' in the top menu and select 'Preferences'. On macOS, click 'Acrobat Reader' in the top menu bar and choose 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences dialog box, select 'Documents' from the left-hand Categories list.
Locate the setting named 'Open Tools Pane for Each Document' and clear the checkbox next to it.
Click 'OK' to save your changes, then close and restart Acrobat Reader for the new settings to take effect.
Collapse the Tools Panel to Save the State (Acrobat Pro DC)
Since Acrobat Pro DC lacks a global toggle for the tools pane, you must collapse it manually so the application remembers its closed state.
Enjoy a Distraction-Free PDF Reading Experience with WPS Office
If you prefer a PDF reader that defaults to a clean, distraction-free interface without constantly managing tool panels, try WPS Office. It provides a dedicated reading mode that maximizes your viewing area while keeping essential tools easily accessible.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the WPS Office suite for free.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office, go to the 'PDF' tab, and open your document.
- 3. Enable Read Mode: Click the 'Read Mode' button located at the bottom right corner (or use Ctrl+Alt+R) to instantly hide all toolbars and side panels.
- 4. Collapse Sidebars Easily: If you are in standard view, you can easily toggle the left or right sidebars by clicking the small arrow icons on the edges of the screen. WPS will remember your clean layout automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Tools panel keep reopening in Acrobat Pro DC even after I collapse it?
If Acrobat Pro DC forgets your collapsed panel setting, you may be experiencing a software glitch or using an outdated version. Go to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' to ensure you have the latest bug fixes regarding workspace memory applied.
Can I permanently remove the Tools panel in Adobe Acrobat completely?
No, the Tools panel is a core component of the Acrobat user interface and cannot be permanently deleted or uninstalled. Hiding or collapsing it using preferences or the side toggle arrow is the only way to keep it out of sight.
Where is the Preferences menu in Adobe Acrobat for Mac?
On macOS, the Preferences menu is not located under the 'Edit' tab like it is on Windows. Instead, you need to click on 'Acrobat Reader' or 'Adobe Acrobat' in the top Apple menu bar, then select 'Preferences' (or press Cmd + ,).
