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May 13, 2026
Answered

How do I highlight text properly in Adobe Reader without tool glitches?

  • May 13, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 12 views

Highlighting text in Adobe Reader can sometimes become difficult due to tool glitches or outdated software settings. To fix this issue, make sure Adobe Reader is updated to the latest version and use the Comment tool for accurate highlighting. Disabling protected mode, restarting the application, or repairing the installation can also improve performance. Proper settings and regular updates help ensure smooth and error-free text highlighting in PDF documents.

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    Correct answer Anand Sri Bhattacharya

    Hello there,


    I hope you are doing well, and thank you for reaching out. We're sorry for the trouble you had with the highlight tool in the freeware Acrobat Reader app.


    Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: Version: 26.001.21529. Planned update, May 01, 2026. Check for any pending updates by navigating to Menu > Help> Check for Updates. Install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and try again.


    Suggestions:

    Use the correct Highlight tool: Use the Comment tool for Highlight.

    Steps:

    Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader

    Select Comment from the right‑hand toolbar

    Click the Highlight text icon

    Drag across selectable text to highlight


    Confirm the PDF allows commenting: Highlighting will fail if the document restricts comments.

    Check permissions: Go to Menu > File > Properties > Security

    Ensure Commenting = Allowed


    For more detailed information and steps, please check this article: https://adobe.ly/4da4sYY


    Let us know how it goes.

    Regards,

    Anand Sri.


    1 reply

    Anand Sri Bhattacharya
    Community Manager
    Anand Sri BhattacharyaCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
    Community Manager
    May 14, 2026

    Hello there,


    I hope you are doing well, and thank you for reaching out. We're sorry for the trouble you had with the highlight tool in the freeware Acrobat Reader app.


    Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: Version: 26.001.21529. Planned update, May 01, 2026. Check for any pending updates by navigating to Menu > Help> Check for Updates. Install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and try again.


    Suggestions:

    Use the correct Highlight tool: Use the Comment tool for Highlight.

    Steps:

    Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader

    Select Comment from the right‑hand toolbar

    Click the Highlight text icon

    Drag across selectable text to highlight


    Confirm the PDF allows commenting: Highlighting will fail if the document restricts comments.

    Check permissions: Go to Menu > File > Properties > Security

    Ensure Commenting = Allowed


    For more detailed information and steps, please check this article: https://adobe.ly/4da4sYY


    Let us know how it goes.

    Regards,

    Anand Sri.


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