How to Hide Tools and Bookmarks Panes by Default in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user wants to prevent the Tools and Bookmarks panes from opening automatically when viewing a PDF document.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening and viewing PDF documents in the application.
- Observed behavior
- The Tools and Bookmarks panes repeatedly open by default, reducing the available document workspace and requiring manual closure every time.
Ensure you are using the latest version of Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader, as the interface layouts and preference menus can vary significantly between older and newer updates.
Configure Acrobat Preferences to Remember the Tools Pane State
You can set Adobe Acrobat to remember whether you left the Tools pane open or closed, ensuring it stays collapsed the next time you open a file.
By default, newer versions of Acrobat might open the right-hand Tools pane to provide quick access to editing features. Adjusting the global preferences will stop this behavior.
Launch Adobe Acrobat. Go to 'Edit' in the top menu bar and select 'Preferences' (or press Ctrl + K on Windows). On a Mac, go to 'Acrobat' > 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences dialog box, select 'Documents' from the Categories list on the left side.
Look for the 'Open Settings' section and check the box next to 'Remember current state of Tools Pane'.
Click 'OK' to save the settings. Open any PDF, manually collapse the Tools pane by clicking the small arrow on its edge, and close the document. Acrobat will now remember to keep it closed.
Change the Initial View Settings for the Bookmarks Pane
Acrobat does not have a global setting to permanently hide the Bookmarks pane for all files. However, you can change the initial view properties of individual PDFs to prevent it from opening.
Enjoy a Distraction-Free PDF Reading Experience with WPS Office
If you are tired of intrusive toolbars and navigation panes that won't stay closed, WPS PDF offers a clean, user-friendly interface. Easily toggle side panes or switch to a dedicated reading mode for an uninterrupted workspace.
- 1. Install and Open: Download and install WPS Office, then open your PDF document using the WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Collapse Side Panes: To hide the left navigation pane or right tools pane, simply click the small arrow icon on the edge of the workspace to instantly collapse it.
- 3. Activate Read Mode: For a completely clean view, navigate to the 'Home' tab and click the 'Read Mode' button to hide all toolbars and menus.
- 4. Exit Read Mode: Whenever you want to access your editing tools again, simply press the 'Esc' key or click the exit button in the top corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bookmarks pane open automatically for some PDFs but not others?
The creator of the PDF can configure the 'Initial View' properties of the document to force the Bookmarks pane to open automatically. If the document is saved with this setting, Adobe Acrobat will respect the document's properties and open the pane regardless of your personal application preferences.
Can I permanently disable the Bookmarks pane for all PDF files in Acrobat Reader?
Currently, Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader do not offer a global preference setting to override a document's initial view properties for the Bookmarks pane. You must change the Initial View setting on a per-document basis, provided you have editing rights for the file.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to quickly hide the Tools pane in Adobe Acrobat?
Yes, you can quickly toggle the visibility of the right-hand Tools pane by pressing Shift + F4 on your keyboard while viewing a PDF document.
