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How to Stop Adobe Acrobat from Vectorizing Apple Pencil Comments
Question details
Users are experiencing an issue where handwritten comments added using an Apple Pencil are automatically converted into illegible vectorized marks.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Adding handwritten annotations or notes to a PDF document using an Apple Pencil.
- Observed behavior
- The handwritten input is distorted and converted into illegible vector marks upon creation or saving.
Ensure your iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and that your Apple Pencil is securely paired and charged before attempting software updates.
Update Adobe Acrobat and Apple Pencil Firmware
Updating both the application and the device software often resolves rendering bugs related to Apple Pencil inputs.
Rendering bugs that cause handwritten strokes to vectorize incorrectly are frequently patched in software updates. Ensuring you have the latest app version from the App Store and the latest firmware for your Apple Pencil is the first line of troubleshooting.
Launch the App Store on your iPad and tap on your profile picture in the top right corner to access your account.
Scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section. If you see Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile in the list, tap the 'Update' button next to it.
Attach your Apple Pencil to the side of your iPad (for Gen 2 or Pro) or plug it into the port (for Gen 1). Keep your iPad connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled; the firmware will update automatically in the background.
Restart your iPad, open Adobe Acrobat, and try adding a handwritten comment again to see if the vectorization issue is resolved.
Document the Issue for Adobe Support
If updating the software does not resolve the vectorization bug, provide a screen recording to help support diagnose the root cause.
Annotate PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are struggling with vectorization bugs in other apps, switch to WPS Office. Its built-in PDF editor offers native, lag-free support for Apple Pencil, ensuring your handwriting and annotations remain exactly as you drew them.
- 1. Open your PDF Document: Launch the WPS Office app on your iPad and open the PDF file you wish to review.
- 2. Access the Annotation Tools: Tap the 'Edit' or 'Tools' menu at the bottom or top of the screen, and navigate to the 'Annotation' tab.
- 3. Select the Pen Tool: Tap the Pen icon to activate drawing mode. You can customize the ink color and thickness to your preference.
- 4. Write with Apple Pencil: Write your comments directly on the document. WPS Office preserves the natural flow of your handwriting without converting it into distorted vector shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Apple Pencil handwriting change shape when saved in PDFs?
This happens when the PDF application uses an aggressive stroke-smoothing or vectorization algorithm to minimize file size, which can mistakenly over-correct and distort the natural curves of your handwriting.
Can I disable vectorization in Adobe Acrobat Mobile?
Currently, Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile does not offer a direct toggle in its settings to turn off the vectorization of handwritten comments. Ensuring the app is updated is the standard recommendation.
Will my Apple Pencil annotations show up on a Windows PC?
Yes, as long as the PDF application saves the handwriting as standard PDF ink or path annotations, they will be perfectly visible when opened in standard PDF readers on Windows or any other operating system.
