How to Use a Font Size Smaller Than 6 in Acrobat XI Pro
Question details
The user needs to use a font size smaller than the default minimum of 6 points (e.g., 4 points) for text comments in Adobe Acrobat XI Pro.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat XI Pro
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding small text comments or annotations to a PDF document where standard font sizes are too large.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Add Text Comment' tool restricts the minimum font size to 6 points, preventing users from making text smaller via standard UI options.
Ensure your PDF document is not restricted or locked for commenting and editing, as modifying text properties requires sufficient document permissions.
Change Font Size Using the Acrobat JavaScript Console
Execute a simple JavaScript command to override the font size limitation for an existing text comment.
This method involves using Acrobat's built-in JavaScript console to force the selected annotation's rich text properties to a smaller size, bypassing the UI limitations.
Click on the boundary of the text comment box itself to select it as an object. Do not double-click to highlight the text inside it.
Press Ctrl+J on your keyboard to open the Acrobat JavaScript Console window.
Paste the following code into the console: var rc = this.selectedAnnots[0].richContents; var s0 = rc[0]; s0.textSize=4; var newRc = [s0]; this.selectedAnnots[0].richContents = newRc;
Highlight all of the pasted code using your mouse or keyboard, and press Ctrl+Enter to apply the 4-point font size to your comment.
Use Edit Mode to Insert Text
Bypass the comment tool restrictions entirely by inserting text directly into the PDF using the Content Editing tool.
Easily Add and Format Small Text in WPS PDF
Avoid complex JavaScript workarounds. With WPS Office's built-in PDF editor, you can seamlessly add text comments, edit existing PDF text, and fully customize font sizes to meet your precise layout needs without arbitrary UI limitations.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF file using the built-in WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Select the Edit or Comment Tool: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab and click 'Edit Text' to add base document text, or go to the 'Comment' tab to insert a text box.
- 3. Adjust Font Size: Type your text, select it, and directly enter your desired font size (e.g., 4) in the floating toolbar or the right-side properties panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat XI restrict comment font sizes to 6 points?
By default, Acrobat imposes a minimum font size constraint of 6 points on the 'Add Text Comment' tool to maintain standard readability on screens and printed materials. Workarounds like JavaScript or using the base Edit mode are required to bypass this built-in interface limit.
Can I set a default font size smaller than 6 in Adobe Acrobat?
No, the Acrobat properties bar will not allow you to set or save a default font size smaller than 6 points for standard text comments. You must manually apply the JavaScript fix or use the Edit text tool for each instance.
Will the JavaScript method work in newer versions of Adobe Acrobat Pro?
Yes, the JavaScript console method (Ctrl+J) generally functions across Adobe Acrobat DC and newer Pro versions, provided the underlying rich text properties API for annotations has not been heavily restricted by your administrator.
Is it better to use a text comment or edit the PDF text directly?
It depends on your specific goal. If you are leaving temporary feedback for a reviewer, a text comment is appropriate. If you are trying to permanently add fine print, copyright information, or legal disclaimers to a document, using 'Edit Document Text' is the more stable approach.
