How do I add a text box to a PDF without modifying existing text?

[jmt111]

I used to be able to add a text box using the typewriter tool in Adobe Acrobat X Pro. However, I cannot find this feature in Adobe Acrobat Pro 2024. All I can find in Adobe Acrobat Pro 2024 is the Add Text feature, but this does not do what I want. I want to add a text box on top of the PDF, not Add Text that modifies the existing text in my PDF and causes all the text to shift over to the next line and modifies all the formatting.

[jmt111]

Does anybody know the answer to this question?

[Meenakshi Negi]

Hi jmt111,

Thank you for reaching out.

It seems that you are using the Add Text feature under the Edit PDF tool. Please try using the "Add text comment" under the comment tool. You can click the drop-down for the "Add a comment" icon (second option) from the floating toolbar and select Add text comment from the list. For more information on the feature, refer to the following help document: https://adobe.ly/4inzvAc. Check if that helps. 

Let us know if you have any questions. 

Thanks,

Meenakshi

[jmt111 · Accepted solution]

You have given instructions for entering a text box. That involves a border that I want to avoid. I have figured out how to add text wtihout a border and without modifying the other text that is in my file. Here are the directions that worked for me: 

• Click the Edit tab.
• Under Add Content, select Text.
• Click wherever you want to add text.
• Choose your preferred font and enter text.

[Meenakshi Negi]

Hi jmt111,

Thank you for the information.

As the "text box" mentioned in the original post, I shared the information accordingly. Thank you for updating the thread with steps that helped you add text to the form. It will help other users who may experience the same confusion.

Let us know if we can be of any help.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

[maxypaxy27]

This does not work.  It alters the existing text.  We used to be able to add text to a field in Adobe but the latest release completely degraded that function.  The add text feature is almost useless now.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

It works fine. You just have to click somewhere away from existing test. 

What do you mean "add test to a field"? Are you referring to a form?

[maxypaxy27]

Yes, I have a client form that has many underlined fields that need to be completed.  It will take forever to click away from the text and then drag or cut and paste to the correct area.  In the previous version, you could add text without EDITING.  Also, mow that you are in Edit mode, the existing text keeps moving when you are using the "Text" feature.  See the original complaint above.  It doesn't work fine at all.  It's garbage, as a matter of fact.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

So it's a form without interactive fields (as far as the PDF is concerned). 

You can trying running the auto-field detection (aka Form Wizard). 

Otherwise, use the Add Text Comment tool. You can add it to existing text, and format the Properties to remove the border, change the font (to Courier or similar font if you want the Typewriter look), and text color.