How to Look Up Selected Words in Adobe Acrobat on Mac using Keyboard Shortcuts
Question details
Users want to know if there is a dedicated keyboard shortcut in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC on Mac to directly look up highlighted text in the dictionary instead of navigating through the right-click context menu.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Looking up the definition of a specific word at Dictionary.com or via system dictionary while reading a PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Acrobat does not offer a native, customizable keyboard shortcut specifically for the dictionary 'Look Up' command, forcing users to manually click through the Edit menu or context menus.
Ensure you have the text selection tool active and the specific word highlighted in your PDF. On a Mac, you can often bypass application-specific limitations by utilizing system-wide OS shortcuts.
Use macOS System-Wide Dictionary Lookup Shortcuts
Since Acrobat lacks a dedicated shortcut for Dictionary.com, you can utilize the built-in macOS dictionary lookup features to find word definitions instantly.
macOS provides a powerful system-wide dictionary and lookup feature that functions seamlessly across most applications, including PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat. This completely bypasses the need for an Acrobat-specific custom shortcut.
Use your mouse to double-click and highlight the word you want to look up within your PDF document.
Press Command + Control + D on your Mac keyboard. A pop-up will appear displaying the dictionary definition and thesaurus entry for the selected word.
If enabled in your Mac's System Settings, simply perform a three-finger tap on your trackpad while hovering over the highlighted word to instantly bring up the lookup window.
Use Quick Copy and Find as a Search Workaround
If your goal is to quickly locate other instances of the selected word within the same document, utilize standard copy and search shortcuts.
Try WPS Office for a Smarter PDF Reading Experience
If you are frustrated by a lack of intuitive shortcuts in other PDF tools, WPS PDF offers a highly efficient reading experience. With an easy-to-use interface, quick text selection tools, and built-in translation features, managing and studying PDF documents becomes effortless.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite for your Mac.
- 2. Open your PDF document: Launch WPS PDF and open the document you wish to read or edit.
- 3. Highlight text for quick tools: Simply double-click or drag to select any word. A convenient floating toolbar will immediately appear next to your cursor.
- 4. Use built-in reading tools: Click the translation or search icons directly from the floating toolbar to look up meanings without digging through complex menus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create custom keyboard shortcuts in Adobe Acrobat on Mac?
By default, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC does not offer a native, built-in menu to create or freely edit custom keyboard shortcuts for all commands. You are generally restricted to the pre-assigned default shortcuts provided by the application.
What is the shortcut to find text in Adobe Acrobat on Mac?
You can quickly search for text by pressing Command + F on your Mac to open the Find toolbar. To perform an advanced search across multiple PDFs, use Shift + Command + F.
Is there a built-in dictionary lookup shortcut on macOS?
Yes, macOS features a system-wide lookup tool. You can highlight a word in almost any application and press Command + Control + D, or use a three-finger tap on your trackpad, to view its dictionary definition, thesaurus entry, and more.
