Other PDF Issues

How to Scroll or Zoom While Writing on PDFs in Acrobat for Android

John Wilson Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are trying to navigate, scroll, or zoom using two-finger gestures while actively using the pen tool to write on a PDF document.

How to Scroll or Zoom While Writing on PDFs in Acrobat for Android

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Writing, drawing, or annotating on a PDF document using a mobile device or tablet.
Observed behavior: The application does not allow two-finger scrolling or zooming while the pen tool is active. Users must manually close the handwriting tool to adjust the page view, and then reopen it to continue writing.

Before you start

Ensure your Adobe Acrobat application is updated to the latest version in the Google Play Store, as developers frequently release updates that may alter tool functionality or navigation gestures.

Solution 1Recommended

Toggle the Pen Tool to Navigate and Zoom

Since simultaneous writing and zooming is currently unsupported in the Acrobat Android app, you must use a manual workaround to adjust your view.

The Acrobat mobile app prioritizes the active drawing state to prevent accidental palm or finger marks. Therefore, gesture navigation is temporarily disabled while the pen tool is engaged.

Close the Pen Tool

Tap the checkmark or the 'Done' button on the screen to deactivate the current handwriting or pen session.

Adjust Your View

Use standard two-finger gestures to pinch to zoom in or out, or swipe to scroll to the exact section of the PDF you want to annotate next.

Reopen the Pen Tool

Select the pen or drawing tool from the annotation menu again to resume writing on the newly adjusted page area.

Toggle the Pen Tool to Navigate and Zoom

Feature Limitation: This is a known limitation within the current build of the Adobe Acrobat app for Android, not a glitch with your device or stylus.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Adobe

Report this limitation directly to Adobe to encourage them to add two-finger scrolling and zooming capabilities during active annotation.

Seamless PDF Annotation

Annotate and Navigate PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office

If switching between tools is disrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers an intuitive PDF editor for Android. It handles annotations effortlessly while ensuring a smooth reading and editing experience on mobile devices.

1. Open Your PDF: Launch the WPS Office app on your Android device and open the PDF file you wish to annotate.
2. Access Annotation Tools: Tap on the 'Tools' menu at the bottom, select the 'Annotation' tab, and choose your preferred drawing or highlighting pen.
3. Write and Edit: Apply your handwriting directly onto the PDF pages. Use the app's intuitive interface to manage your document view.
4. Save Your Work: Once you are finished annotating, tap 'Done' or the save icon to securely store the changes to your PDF file.

Comprehensive PDF annotation, highlighting, and freehand drawing tools.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard PDFs.Lightweight app design that ensures smooth document scrolling and zooming on mobile devices.Free and intuitive interface for managing all your document needs on the go.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I zoom while drawing in the Acrobat Android app?

Currently, the Adobe Acrobat Android app disables navigation gestures like two-finger zoom or scroll when the pen tool is actively selected. This is designed to prevent accidental marks while writing, but it restricts simultaneous navigation.

Will a specific stylus allow me to zoom while writing?

No, the restriction is built into the Acrobat app's software for Android. Regardless of whether you use your finger, a passive stylus, or a dedicated active stylus, the app requires you to close the pen tool to enable multi-touch navigation gestures.

Is there a way to force two-finger scrolling in Acrobat?

There is no built-in setting in the current Android version of Adobe Acrobat to force two-finger scrolling while the pen tool is active. The only supported method is toggling the tool off, adjusting your view, and turning the tool back on.

PDF Troubleshooting