Skip to main content
tka23
tka23
Participant
June 2, 2026
Question

Hand Tool cursor flickers when mouse is idle

  • June 2, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 44 views

I'm using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC (64-bit), Version 2026.001.21563 on Windows.

When the Hand Tool (Pan Tool) is selected, the cursor repeatedly switches between the hand icon and the standard arrow cursor whenever the mouse is stationary over a PDF page. The constant flickering is distracting and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced the same issue.

 

What I've observed:

  • Occurs with multiple PDF files, not just one document.
  • Happens anywhere on the pdf page itself, but not over the side bar or tool handle.
  • Adobe Acrobat is the only application affected.
  • Only occurs for the Hand Tool, not the Select Tool.
  • The flickering stops while the mouse is moving and resumes as soon as the cursor becomes idle.

Troubleshooting already attempted:

  • Restarted Windows PC
  • Disabled the New Acrobat interface
  • Verified Acrobat is fully up to date (Version 2026.001.21563)
  • Adjusted Hand Tool settings
  • Modified Page Display settings
  • Tested multiple PDF files

None of the above resolved the issue. Has anyone experienced this behavior on recent Acrobat versions or found a fix?

    1 reply

    Meenakshi0101
    Community Manager
    Meenakshi0101Community Manager
    Community Manager
    June 2, 2026

    Hi tka23,


    Thank you for reaching out, and sorry about your experience with the application.


    We tried to replicate the issue, but it seems to be working fine on our end. Since you have already attempted basic troubleshooting, please consider the following suggestions::

    1. Disable GPU Acceleration (Most common fix)

    • Open Acrobat/Reader.

    • Go to Menu > Preferences > General.

    • Uncheck “Use graphics processor”.

    • Restart Acrobat.

    2. Check Windows Display Settings (if on Windows) and ensure your refresh rate is set correctly

    • Go to Windows Settings >  Display > Advanced display. 

    • Try disabling “Variable refresh rate” and “Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling” (if enabled).

    3. Sometimes UI smoothing features interfere with pointer rendering. Please turn off Smooth Scrolling / Enhance Settings.

    • In Acrobat, go to Menu > Preferences > Page Display.

    • Try toggling the following options: Smooth scrolling and Enhance thin lines.

    • Restart and test again.

    If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, please share a small screen recording of the cursor flickering on your end. We will forward it to the team for further investigation.


    Let us know if you need any help.


    Thanks,

    Meenakshi

    tka23
    tka23Author
    Participant
    June 2, 2026

    Hi Meenakshi,

     

    Thank you for the quick reply. 

     

    I don’t see “Use graphics processor.” under General settings. See screenshot attached. I did, however, follow step 3 and still have the same issue. 

     

    I also attached a video of the issue and, in addition to what’s shown in the clip, I confirmed that it also occurs on my laptop screen.

     

    Thank you,

    Tyler

    Meenakshi0101
    Community Manager
    Meenakshi0101Community Manager
    Community Manager
    June 2, 2026

    Hi tka23,

     

    Thank you for sharing the information.

     

    Please allow us some time to investigate this behavior. If we need any further information, we will let you know.

     

    Thanks,

    Meenakshi

      Firefly Community Gallery
      Adobe Firefly

      Remix with Firefly Community Gallery

      Thousands of free creations to fall in love with and remix in Firefly.

      Explore now
      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices