PDF Editing Issues

How to Use Custom Highlight Colors in Adobe Acrobat on iPad

Nimra MalikNimra Malik Oct 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to access, use, and set custom highlight colors in the Adobe Acrobat Reader application on an iPad.

How to Use Custom Highlight Colors in Adobe Acrobat on iPad
Product
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Device & OS
iPad
Scenario
Highlighting and annotating text within a PDF document on a mobile tablet.
Observed behavior
The iPad app only displays preset color options and opacity controls, missing the custom color wheel or HEX/RGB entry tools available in the desktop version.
Before you start

Ensure your Adobe Acrobat Reader app is updated to the latest version in the App Store, as Adobe frequently rolls out new annotation features.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Preset Highlight Colors and Opacity Controls in Acrobat for iPad

While custom color selection is restricted on the iPad app, you can utilize the built-in preset colors and adjust their opacity to suit your annotation needs.

Adobe Acrobat for iPad currently provides a predefined palette of preset highlight colors to streamline the mobile interface. It does not offer the custom-color selection tools (like a color wheel or HEX code input) found in the desktop application.

However, any custom highlights that were previously created and saved on a computer will still be visible when viewing the document on your iPad.

1
Open the PDF document

Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader on your iPad and open the PDF file you wish to annotate.

2
Access the highlight tool

Tap the 'Comment' or pencil icon to reveal the markup toolbar, then select the 'Highlight' tool.

3
Select a preset color

Tap the color circle icon in the toolbar. This will display the available preset colors.

4
Adjust the opacity

Use the opacity slider located below the color palette to make the highlight lighter or darker, then drag your finger or Apple Pencil across the text to apply it.

Use Preset Highlight Colors and Opacity Controls in Acrobat for iPad
Desktop Compatibility: If you require a very specific custom color for your highlights, apply it using Adobe Acrobat on your Mac or PC. The custom color will render correctly when you open the file later on your iPad.
Advanced PDF Editor

Highlight and Annotate PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office

If you find mobile PDF annotation tools limiting, WPS Office offers a comprehensive, built-in PDF reader and editor that makes highlighting, drawing, and commenting on your iPad effortless.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the App Store on your iPad.
  2. 2. Open your PDF file: Launch the app and open the PDF document you want to read or edit.
  3. 3. Select the annotation tools: Tap on the 'Annotation' tab located in the top menu bar to access the markup features.
  4. 4. Apply your highlight: Choose the Highlight tool, select your preferred color and opacity, and drag across the text to easily highlight important information.
Access intuitive PDF annotation tools tailored for iPad and touch screens.Enjoy full compatibility with standard PDF formats and Adobe Acrobat files.Experience a lightweight, all-in-one suite that handles PDFs, Word documents, Excel sheets, and PowerPoint presentations.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a custom HEX color code for highlights in Acrobat for iPad?

No, the Adobe Acrobat app for iPad currently does not support entering custom HEX or RGB color codes. You are limited to the preset color palette provided in the app.

Will custom highlights from my PC show up on my iPad?

Yes. If you use a custom highlight color on the desktop version of Adobe Acrobat, that specific color will be preserved and display correctly when you view the PDF on your iPad.

How do I change the default highlight color in Acrobat for iPad?

To change your current highlight color, tap the Highlight tool, then tap the color circle icon. Select a new preset color from the palette, and it will remain your active highlight color for subsequent annotations until you change it again.

Is Adobe planning to add custom highlight colors to the iPad app?

While Adobe frequently updates its mobile apps, there is no official confirmation on when or if custom highlight color wheels will be added to the iPad version. It is recommended to keep the app updated in case the feature is included in a future release.