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PDF Editing Issues

How to Use Apple Pencil with Adobe Acrobat Reader on iPad Pro

John WilsonJohn Wilson Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if they can use an Apple Pencil to interact with and annotate PDF documents on an iPad Pro, and how to configure settings like thickness and color.

How to Use Apple Pencil with Adobe Acrobat Reader on iPad Pro
Product
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Device & OS
iPadOS
Scenario
Reviewing, annotating, and editing PDF files on an iPad Pro using a stylus for handwritten notes.
Observed behavior
The user requires confirmation of Apple Pencil compatibility and instructions on accessing the annotation tools for customized drawing.
Before you start

Ensure your Apple Pencil is fully charged and paired with your iPad Pro via Bluetooth, and update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version in the App Store.

Solution 1Recommended

Annotate PDFs Using Apple Pencil in Acrobat Reader

Directly use your Apple Pencil to draw, highlight, and write handwritten notes on your PDF documents using the in-app commenting tools.

Acrobat Reader natively supports the Apple Pencil for iPad Pro users. You can use it to smoothly handwrite notes or highlight text, making the document review process feel like writing on physical paper.

1
Open your PDF document

Launch the Adobe Acrobat Reader app on your iPad Pro and open the PDF file you wish to edit from your local storage or cloud drive.

2
Access the Comment tool

Tap the pencil icon located at the bottom right of the screen and select 'Comment' to reveal the annotation toolbar along the top or bottom of the screen.

3
Select the drawing tool

Tap the Pen tool (or Highlighter tool) from the menu. You can now start drawing or writing directly on the document with your Apple Pencil.

4
Adjust thickness and color

To customize your stylus settings, tap the Pen tool icon again. A properties menu will appear where you can change the ink color, adjust stroke thickness, and modify the opacity.

Annotate PDFs Using Apple Pencil in Acrobat Reader
Palm Rejection Enabled: Because the Apple Pencil is integrated with iPadOS, Acrobat Reader automatically rejects palm inputs. You can comfortably rest your hand on the iPad screen while writing without making accidental marks.

Annotate PDFs Smoothly with Apple Pencil in WPS Office

If you are looking for a powerful and intuitive app to annotate, edit, and manage PDFs on your iPad Pro, WPS Office offers seamless Apple Pencil integration with robust palm rejection and highly customizable drawing tools.

  1. 1. Download and open WPS Office: Install WPS Office from the App Store on your iPad Pro, launch the app, and open your PDF file.
  2. 2. Enter Annotation Mode: Navigate to the 'Annotation' tab at the top of the screen to reveal the PDF markup tools tailored for Apple Pencil.
  3. 3. Select and customize the Pen: Tap the Pen icon. You can tap it a second time to bring up the styling menu to choose your preferred stroke color and thickness.
  4. 4. Write with your Apple Pencil: Begin writing or drawing directly on the PDF document. Palm rejection is automatically enabled for a natural writing experience.
Full support for Apple Pencil with ultra-low latency and pressure sensitivity.Easily customize pen color, thickness, and highlighter styles for detailed PDF annotation.Fully compatible with standard Adobe PDF formats across all devices.An all-in-one lightweight office suite combining PDF editing, word processing, and spreadsheets.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Apple Pencil not drawing in Acrobat Reader?

If your Apple Pencil isn't drawing, check your iPad's Bluetooth settings to ensure it is paired and connected. Also, verify that you have explicitly selected a drawing tool (like the Pen or Highlighter) from the Comment toolbar, as the default text selection tool will not draw lines.

Can I use older iPad models with the Apple Pencil to annotate PDFs?

Yes, PDF readers support Apple Pencil input on any iPad model that is officially compatible with either the 1st or 2nd generation Apple Pencil. Standard iPads without Apple Pencil support can still use standard capacitive styluses, though they will lack palm rejection and pressure sensitivity.

How do I erase handwritten notes in Acrobat Reader on iPad?

To erase your drawings, select the Eraser tool from the Comment toolbar and swipe over the strokes you want to remove. Alternatively, you can use the Undo button at the top of the screen to quickly remove your most recent strokes.

Does WPS Office on iPad support the Apple Pencil double-tap feature?

Yes, WPS Office on iPadOS integrates with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation's double-tap functionality, allowing you to quickly switch between the pen and the eraser during your PDF annotation sessions.