How to Search Hebrew Text Correctly in Acrobat Reader Mobile on Android
Question details
Users are unable to search for Hebrew text normally in Acrobat Reader Mobile and are forced to type words from end to beginning to find matches.

- Product
- Acrobat Reader Mobile
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Searching for Right-to-Left (RTL) language text, specifically Hebrew, within a PDF document on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to recognize the correct reading order for Hebrew, requiring users to enter search terms backward unless specific system language configurations are applied.
Ensure your Android device is connected to a stable internet network, as you will need to download system language packs from your device settings.
Install and Enable the Hebrew Language Pack
Downloading the system-level text-to-speech language pack helps the device and installed applications correctly process and recognize right-to-left reading order.
Acrobat Reader Mobile relies on Android's underlying language packages to understand reading directions. Without the Hebrew package, it defaults to a Left-to-Right orientation, which breaks the search functionality.
Go to the 'Settings' app on your Android phone, scroll down, and tap on 'Accessibility'.
Under the Accessibility menu, locate and tap on 'Text-to-Speech' (or 'Text-to-Speech output').
Tap on 'Language' and select Hebrew from the list. If it is not downloaded, prompt the device to download the language pack.
Return to the main Settings menu, go to 'System' > 'Languages & input' > 'On-screen keyboard'. Select your active keyboard and ensure Hebrew is added as an input language.

Try WPS Office for Seamless Multilingual PDF Reading
If you continue to experience right-to-left text search issues in your current PDF reader, switch to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, all-in-one mobile suite that offers excellent format compatibility, precise search functions, and a familiar UI for handling PDFs and Office documents seamlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store and launch the application.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Navigate to the 'PDF' tab or your local files to open the Hebrew PDF document.
- 3. Search the Text: Tap the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen and type your search query normally.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to type Hebrew words backward to search in PDFs?
This occurs when the PDF application or your device fails to recognize the Right-to-Left (RTL) reading orientation. It is often caused by a missing system-level language pack for that specific language.
Does WPS Office support searching text in Right-to-Left languages like Hebrew?
Yes, WPS Office supports standard PDF text encoding and search functionalities. Ensure your device has the correct keyboard and system language settings enabled for the best experience.
How do I add a Hebrew keyboard on my Android phone?
Go to your phone's Settings > System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard. Select your current keyboard (such as Gboard) and tap 'Add keyboard' to include Hebrew in your input options.




