Other PDF Issues

How to Resize the Custom Scan Window in Adobe Acrobat XI

John WilsonJohn Wilson Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to access the bottom controls in the Custom Scan window of Acrobat XI Pro because the dialog box is too large for their small display.

How to Resize the Custom Scan Window in Acrobat XI on Small Displays
Product
Adobe Acrobat XI Pro
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Attempting to configure scan settings and execute a document scan on a small 10-inch display.
Observed behavior
The Custom Scan dialog window extends beyond the screen boundaries, making the action buttons and controls at the bottom completely hidden and inaccessible.
Before you start

Ensure your scanner is properly connected to your device and save any open work before making changes to your system's display scaling settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Move or Resize the Window

Use Windows built-in keyboard commands to force the oversized dialog window to move upward or shrink, revealing the hidden buttons.

Older applications often use fixed-size dialog boxes that do not adapt well to small screens. Using keyboard shortcuts allows you to manipulate the window without needing to click its borders.

1
Open the window menu

While the Custom Scan window is active and selected, press Alt + Space on your keyboard to open the hidden window management menu.

2
Select the Move option

Press the M key (for Move), then use the Up Arrow key on your keyboard to drag the window higher up on your screen until the bottom controls are visible.

3
Select the Size option (Alternative)

If moving it is not enough, press Alt + Space, then press the S key (for Size). Use the arrow keys to shrink the window's bottom or side borders.

4
Confirm the position

Once you have revealed the hidden scan controls, press the Enter key to lock the window in its new position or size.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Move or Resize the Window
Alternative Navigation: If you just need to start the scan, you can often press the Tab key repeatedly to cycle through the hidden buttons. Once you suspect the 'Scan' button is selected, press Enter.
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Avoid interface scaling issues on small screens by using WPS Office. It offers a modern, built-in PDF tool that effortlessly handles document scanning, viewing, and editing with a responsive interface that adapts perfectly to any display size.

  1. 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your computer.
  2. 2. Access PDF Tools: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab in the main workspace to open the PDF editor.
  3. 3. Initiate a Scan: Click on 'Create PDF' and select 'From Scanner' or 'Picture to PDF' to begin importing your physical documents.
  4. 4. Configure Settings: Follow the responsive, screen-friendly prompts to configure your scan settings and generate your PDF without any hidden controls.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the buttons hidden in my Acrobat XI scan window?

This typically occurs on smaller screens (like 10-inch displays) or when Windows display scaling is set above 100%. Acrobat XI is older software with fixed-size dialog boxes that cannot resize dynamically, causing the bottom controls to be pushed off the screen.

Can I force a window to resize if I can't see the edges?

Yes. You can press Alt + Space to open the window's context menu, press S (for Size), and then use your keyboard's arrow keys to shrink the window borders, even if you cannot see or click them with your mouse.

Is Adobe Acrobat XI still supported for bug fixes?

No. Adobe Acrobat XI reached its end of support in October 2017. It no longer receives official bug fixes, which is why display scaling issues on modern operating systems remain unpatched.

How do I access hidden window controls without changing system settings?

You can use keyboard navigation by pressing the Tab key repeatedly to cycle through the available inputs in the dialog box. Once you believe the hidden 'Scan' or 'OK' button is highlighted, press the Enter key to execute the action.