New version won't let me edit files

Question

I work with blueprints sent to me in PDF. I was using Acrbat DC and was able to easily select a line or object to move or remove it. I could also edit or create the text in boxes.

I was forced to upgrade to the subscription version Acrobat Pro 25 001 209997 and now I can't use it at all. It's extremely slow and I can't easily select a line and delete it like before. Now when I try that all I can get is a select box that's larger than I want and in a random place not where I want it. It must be a setting but I don't know how to fix this.

rayc124547363975 · Accepted Answer

Amal thank you very much for your response. All makes sense. I will get back to you either way, if it works or if I need more advice.

Amal. · Answer

Hi there

Hope you are doing well and sorry for the trouble.

A couple of things to keep in mind when working with PDFs like blueprints:

1. PDF Editing Behavior Changed
In Acrobat Pro the newer “Edit PDF” workflow doesn’t let you directly select/delete native vector lines unless they’re part of an editable object. Many blueprint PDFs are actually flattened drawings (like scanned maps or exported CAD drawings), so Acrobat may treat them differently than before.

2. Selection Box Instead of Line/Object
What you’re seeing (the big selection box) usually means Acrobat is detecting the entire drawing as one image layer rather than individual lines. That’s why it feels random and harder to select.

3. Performance Slowness
Blueprint PDFs are often large with complex vector paths, and the Acrobat sometimes takes longer to render those. A few settings may help:

Go to Preferences (Ctrl,Cmd+K)> Page Display

uncheck “Use Page Cache”

Under Rendering, select Smooth Line Art and uncheck “Smooth Images”

Also go to Preferences (Ctrl,Cmd+K) > Enhanced Security Uncheck “Enable protected mode at startup” temporarily and see if that helps.

If you need to remove specific lines or objects:

Open the PDF > Go to “Print Production” (if not visible, enable it under Tools) and Try “Edit Object”
This mode behaves more like legacy Acrobat DC for vector-based PDF objects. For more information please check the help page (https://adobe.ly/4ptbB9m)

~Amal

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