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VW38031176smnl
VW38031176smnl
Participant
March 25, 2026
Answered

How do I actually make Adobe Acrobat functional?

  • March 25, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 50 views

I don’t understand how a tool can be so bad; surely I must be doing something wrong. 

Acrobat simply doesn’t work. It lags, I can’t draw mark-ups or comments. I will draw a text box or object multiple times and it will just disappear each time. I can’t scroll smoothly between document pages. I have to type incredibly slowly; there is a lag time for each letter that I type to show up. There is a lag time for each tool or edit option.

It just doesn’t make sense how bad it is and how much of our time we waste trying to use it or trying to find work-arounds. 

I’m working on a PC that can handle architectural design and rendering software easily. Editing PDF’s shouldn’t be a problem.

 

If anyone has any tips for optimization beyond disabling the New Acrobat, disabling advances security, and most other program features, i would love to hear it. 

It’s becoming less and less apparent why we put up with this. 

      Correct answer Chris 486

      We also use an alt program for plan specific needs for certain departments. Acrobat has always been more focused on text and graphic design side. The only in software workaround I’m aware of is to ensure the files are rasterized or “flattened” on export or the same can be done in acrobat. Once they are an image file, adobe will handle them well. 

      2 replies

      Chris 486
      Community Expert
      Chris 486Community Expert
      Community Expert
      March 27, 2026

      HI ​@VW38031176smnl ,

       

      You mention arch. design above. By chance are you trying to comment on imported constructions sheets (MEP’s, etc.) 

       

      I’ve had issues with acrobat handling large vector imports.

      VW38031176smnl
      VW38031176smnlAuthor
      Participant
      March 27, 2026

      Hi Chris,

       

      They are MEP consultant PDFs. 

      They do have a lot of vector linework in them, but I have been running a free trial for an alternative PDF editing software and its been having no issues at all 

       

      Thanks

      Chris 486
      Community Expert
      Chris 486Community ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      March 27, 2026

      We also use an alt program for plan specific needs for certain departments. Acrobat has always been more focused on text and graphic design side. The only in software workaround I’m aware of is to ensure the files are rasterized or “flattened” on export or the same can be done in acrobat. Once they are an image file, adobe will handle them well. 

        Randy Hagan
        Community Expert
        Randy HaganCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 26, 2026

        What version/flavor of Adobe Acrobat are you using? 

         

        There are different capabilities between Adobe Reader/Acrobat Standard/Pro/Premium/Classic, with different toolsets and capabilities. We need to know what version of Acrobat you’re using and having issues with to best determine how we may be able to help you.

         

        It may be as simple as you need to change which type of Acrobat you install to get the results you’re looking for. Please let us know what you’re working with, and then we can do our best to help you get the results you desire.

         

        Hope this helps,

         

        Randy

        VW38031176smnl
        VW38031176smnlAuthor
        Participant
        March 26, 2026

        Hi Randy, I’m using Acrobat Pro Version 25.1

        Randy Hagan
        Community Expert
        Randy HaganCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 27, 2026

        I’m actually running a bit behind you (v.2025.001.21111 on the PC platform, a little later version on the Mac).

         

        I know you’re not interested in disabling the New Acrobat, but you can switch between the “new” and “old” Acrobat pro interfaces (and more importantly, functionality) with a menu command. By selecting the View>Enable new Acrobat/Disable new Acrobat menu command, you can toggle between versions and see in real time whether the issue involves the version you’re using and the one you’re not.

         

        If you would, please try a few files and put them through your paces in both interfaces. This may be a situation where you want to use the “New” Acrobat in some situations, and the “Old” one in others. For what it’s worth, I actually use the old interface myself because I found the system performance is much better without the new one.

         

        Your Mileage May Vary, but it’s worth testing and checking if switching works better for you with certain workflows. Especially since it’s essentially a toggle switch to go back and forth between them.

         

        Hope this helps,

         

        Randy

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