How to Open the Acrobat Comment Bar Automatically at Startup
Question details
The user wants the Comment panel in Adobe Acrobat to open automatically every time the application is launched.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Launching the application to regularly review, mark up, or annotate PDF documents.
- Observed behavior
- The Comment panel remains closed by default upon startup and must be manually opened via the View menu each time.
Ensure you are using the latest version of your PDF reader, as interface layouts and default viewing preferences can change between software updates.
Accessing the Comment Bar Manually in Acrobat
Since Adobe Acrobat does not currently support opening the Comment bar automatically by default, you will need to open it manually when reviewing documents.
Currently, Acrobat’s default behavior does not include a preference setting to force the Comment panel to stay open upon every fresh launch of the application. The software resets the interface panels to maximize document viewing space.
Open your PDF document in the Adobe Acrobat application.
Click on 'View' in the top menu bar to reveal the dropdown interface options.
Go to 'Tools', select 'Comment', and click 'Open'. The Comment panel will now display on the right side of your screen for this session.

Use WPS PDF for a Streamlined Annotation Experience
If you frequently work with PDF annotations and find your current software's interface limitations cumbersome, WPS Office offers a highly intuitive, built-in PDF editor. It provides immediate access to commenting tools upon switching to the Comment tab, saving you repetitive clicks.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free software suite, and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open Your PDF Document: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF file directly within the application.
- 3. Access the Comment Tab: Click on the 'Comment' tab located at the top ribbon menu. This instantly displays all annotation tools without needing to navigate through complex sub-menus.
- 4. Manage Annotations Efficiently: Use the left sidebar navigation pane to quickly view, jump to, and manage all the comments and highlights left by you or other collaborators.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a keyboard shortcut to open the Comment bar in Acrobat?
While there isn't a direct default shortcut strictly for opening the Comment pane, you can quickly access the Comment tool by adding it to your Quick Tools toolbar, saving you from navigating the View menu every time.
Will an auto-open Comment bar feature be added in future updates?
Software updates occasionally introduce new default settings or customization options based on user feedback. Submitting a feature request directly to the developer is the best way to encourage them to add this capability in future versions.
Are PDF comments made in WPS Office visible in other PDF readers?
Yes, comments, sticky notes, and highlights added using WPS PDF are fully compliant with standard PDF specifications. They will be completely visible and editable when the file is opened in Adobe Acrobat or any other standard PDF reader.




