can't change default font color

Hi,

When I am editing a doc in my mac and want to add a new text box or checkmark , the resulting text is white. I can't change it in the edit menu. 

I then followed online instructions for changing the default font (Acrobat: preferences:content editing: font options) and for changing defaul color (Acrobat: preferences: accessibility: document colors options: use high contrast colors: black text on white)

No effect. Tried saving and closing and reopening. Still white font. 

What do I do? 
Thank you for suggestions.