How to Remove the Black Comment Toolbar Box in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
Users need a way to disable or remove the floating black comment and trash-can toolbar that appears when using annotation tools, as it blocks the document text.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing or marking up a PDF document using annotation tools like the arrow or highlight tool.
- Observed behavior
- A black popup box containing comment and trash-can icons automatically overlays the screen when an annotation tool is active, obstructing the PDF content.
Ensure you have an active internet connection to download the required software updates, and save your current PDF progress before restarting the application.
Update Acrobat and Adjust Commenting Preferences
Installing the latest Adobe updates adds a built-in preference toggle that allows you to turn off the floating annotation toolbar.
In older versions of Adobe Acrobat, this toolbar was hardcoded to appear automatically. Adobe later released an update introducing a specific setting to hide this overlay, meaning a software update is required if you don't already see the option.
Open your Adobe Acrobat or Reader application. Click on 'Help' in the top menu bar and select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown list.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install any available updates. Once the installation is fully complete, close and restart the Acrobat application.
Navigate to 'Edit' > 'Preferences' on Windows, or 'Acrobat' > 'Preferences' on Mac to open the settings window.
Select the 'Commenting' category from the left sidebar. Look for the setting related to the floating annotation toolbar and uncheck the box to disable it. Click 'OK' to save your changes.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts as a Temporary Workaround
If you cannot update the application immediately, use keyboard actions to drop the active tool and hide the popup.
Try WPS Office for a Distraction-Free PDF Experience
If you are frustrated by intrusive toolbars and clunky overlays in your current PDF viewer, consider switching to WPS Office. It includes a highly capable, built-in PDF editor alongside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives—all in one lightweight application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the black comment box appear in Acrobat?
The floating black toolbar is designed by Adobe to provide quick access to common actions, such as adding a quick note to a shape or deleting an annotation. However, its positioning often inadvertently blocks the underlying text.
Can I remove the trash can icon without updating Acrobat?
In older software versions, there is no direct settings toggle to hide this specific floating toolbar. Updating to the latest version is the only permanent way to access the preference to disable it.
Will disabling the toolbar prevent me from deleting annotations?
No. Even with the floating black toolbar disabled, you can still delete annotations by selecting them with your mouse and pressing the 'Delete' or 'Backspace' key on your keyboard.
