How to Stop the Text Callout Tool from Remaining Selected in Acrobat
Question details
The user needs a way to prevent the Text Callout tool from remaining continuously active after adding a single callout.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding text callout boxes to annotate or mark up a PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- After creating a text callout, the tool stays selected, causing every subsequent mouse click to unintentionally create another text callout box.
Ensure you have your PDF document open in Acrobat and verify that the top annotation toolbar is visible so you can easily access your tool settings.
Disable the Keep Tool Selected Pushpin
Turn off the continuous tool lock setting so your cursor automatically returns to standard selection mode after you place one callout.
Adobe Acrobat includes a feature designed to help users apply the same annotation multiple times without returning to the toolbar. When enabled, this feature locks the active tool.
To stop generating unwanted text callouts with every click, you simply need to toggle off this continuous use mode.
Look at the top annotation and markup toolbar in the Acrobat DC interface for a small icon that resembles a pushpin.
If the pushpin icon is highlighted in blue, the 'Keep Tool Selected' setting is currently enabled and locking your active tool.
Click the blue pushpin icon once. The highlight will disappear, indicating that the tool lock is now turned off.
Select the Text Callout tool, place a single callout on your document, and confirm that your mouse cursor reverts back to the standard selection arrow pointer.
Easily Add Text Callouts with WPS PDF
Avoid frustrating interface locks and manage your PDF annotations smoothly with WPS Office. The built-in WPS PDF editor provides a clean, intuitive layout for inserting text callouts, highlighting text, and leaving comments without the tool getting stuck.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document using the built-in WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Access the Comment Tab: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab on the top ribbon to view all available markup and annotation tools.
- 3. Insert a Text Callout: Click the 'Text Callout' tool, select your desired location in the document, and type your comment.
- 4. Return to Selection Mode: After placing the callout, your cursor behaves predictably. You can also press ESC at any time to instantly return to normal selection mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cursor turn into a text callout every time I click?
This happens because the 'Keep Tool Selected' feature is active in your PDF editor. When enabled, it locks the chosen annotation tool (like the text callout) so you can use it repeatedly without having to re-select it from the top menu.
How do I return to the normal selection cursor manually?
You can immediately drop the active annotation tool and return to the normal selection cursor by pressing the 'Escape' (Esc) key on your keyboard, or by clicking the standard arrow pointer icon located in the main toolbar.
Can I make other annotation tools stay selected if I want to?
Yes. By clicking the pushpin icon to enable the 'Keep Tool Selected' feature, you can lock any marking tool—such as the highlighter, sticky note, or drawing tools—allowing you to apply multiple annotations in a row without re-selecting the tool.
