Where Adobe Acrobat Stores the Default Hand or Select Tool Setting
Question details
The user needs to find the system location where Adobe Acrobat saves the default preference for the interaction tool, such as the Hand or Select tool, on a Windows environment.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Modifying or verifying the default PDF interaction tool behavior via system registry settings.
- Observed behavior
- The preference is managed within the Windows user profile and controlled through specific Acrobat registry keys.
Before proceeding, ensure Adobe Acrobat is completely closed. Back up your Windows Registry, as modifying it incorrectly can cause system instability.
Modify the Acrobat Reader DC Selection Key in the Windows Registry
Use the Windows Registry Editor to manually define the aDefaultSelect value for Acrobat Reader DC.
Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC store this specific user preference inside the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive. By modifying the Selection key, you can force the application to default to either the Hand, Select, or Zoom tool upon opening.
Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type 'regedit' and press Enter. Click 'Yes' if prompted by User Account Control.
In the Registry Editor address bar, paste or navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\Selection. Note: If you use Acrobat Pro, replace 'Acrobat Reader' with 'Adobe Acrobat'.
On the right pane, locate the string value named 'aDefaultSelect'. If it does not exist, right-click an empty space, choose New > String Value, and name it 'aDefaultSelect'.
Double-click 'aDefaultSelect' and enter your desired tool name (for example, type 'Hand' or 'Select') into the Value data field. Click OK.
Close the Registry Editor completely. Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and open a PDF to verify that your selected default tool is active.
Set Default PDF Tools Without Editing the Registry
Avoid risky Windows Registry edits by using WPS Office. WPS PDF provides a highly intuitive user interface that automatically remembers your last used tools and layout preferences, making PDF reading and editing hassle-free.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your Windows computer.
- 2. Open a PDF Document: Launch WPS PDF and open any PDF document.
- 3. Select Your Tool: Click on the 'Hand Tool' or 'Select Tool' from the top navigation ribbon.
- 4. Automatic Save: WPS PDF seamlessly remembers this selection as your active state for your current and future document sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the default tool without using the Windows Registry?
Yes. In Adobe Acrobat, you can usually navigate to Edit > Preferences > Accessibility and configure cursor settings, or adjust settings under the General tab to alter default interactions without editing the registry.
Does this registry path apply to Adobe Acrobat Pro?
For Acrobat Pro or Standard editions, the registry path slightly differs. You will need to navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\Selection instead of the 'Acrobat Reader' folder.
What happens if I enter an invalid tool name in the registry?
If you input an unrecognized value data string into the 'aDefaultSelect' registry key, Acrobat will simply ignore it and revert to its built-in default interaction behavior.
