No longer can pres Esc key to close comment window after entering markup.

Report · Jun 22, 2022

I updated Acrobat Pro DC to version 2022.001.20142 very recently.

I do proofreading that requires constant use of markup tools to insert, delete, and highlight content. My typical workflow with insertions and deletions is to enter Comment mode, select text, and either press Delete to indicate a removal or start typing to add replacement text.

I always have been able to press the Esc key to close the pop-up note after I add my notes and edits. This has been a quick, efficient, fluent workflow.

Now, in this new version, when I press the Esc key, the notes/edits vanish but the pop-up window stays open.

Apparently, I now have to move the cursor and click on the close button. Thus, this process takes more time and increases hand fatigue.

Would someone please explain how this is advantageous?

Report · Jun 23, 2022

Hi Nancy,

Thank you for reaching out.

Please try toggling the options under Pup-up behavior under the Comment Preferences.

Use the following steps:

1. In the Acrobat, go to Edit menu > Preferences > Commenting.

2. On the right-hand side of the Preferences window, go to Pop-up behavior.

3. Uncheck the boxes for "Automatically open comment pop-ups for comments other than notes." and "Automatically open comment pop-ups on mouse rollover.

4. Click on the Save button at the bottom of the Preferences window.

Check if that helps.

Let us know if the issue persists,

Thanks,

Meenakshi

Report · Jun 23, 2022

Hi, Meenakshi:

Those settings already were unchecked.

Report · Jun 26, 2022

Hi Meenakshi,

Is there any follow up regarding the issue of the disappeared ESC key function?

Thank you,

Report · Jul 03, 2022

@Meenakshi Negi, several of us have commented on the fact that this change in keyboard-command functionality has had negative effects on our productivity. I see that you're an Adobe employee. Can you comment on the reason for this change? None of us see any benefit.

Report · Jul 05, 2022

Hi Nancy,

Sorry for the delay in response.

We have reported this issue to the team and will update you with more details once we get information from them.

We appreciate your patience.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

Report · Jul 06, 2022

Thank you, @Meenakshi Negi! I look forward to your further input on this issue—and hope that the developers will restore this essential functionality!

Report · Nov 06, 2024

Seems like you didn't update them and nothing occured.

They even went further and made it less efficent by having to press publish or Alt-Enter to close a comment - as opposed to ESC or just the enter button.
Adobe apparently doesn't care about productivity and just rams these new "features" down our throats.

Report · Oct 27, 2022

@Adobe Is there any update on when the Esc function will be restored?

Report · Dec 08, 2022

I've found that Alt-Enter is a serviceable replacement.

Report · Dec 08, 2022

@Ewpin, the problem with Alt-Enter or Option-Enter is that it doesn't close the comment box the way the Esc key at least used to do. The box is in the way and requires separate intervention to close it. That means what used to be a one-step proces now requires two.

Report · Dec 09, 2022

@Nancy23042458zn8q Seems like you have something that pops up each time you go to post a comment?

In Preferences > Commenting, I have selected 'Hide comment pop ups when Comments List is open'. I have deselected 'Automatically open comment pop-ups' as well as 'Automatically open pop-ups on rollover'.

When I am editing a text, I open the 'Comment List' which is just over on the right, yellow icon. Says 'Comments' I think. Then all comments are displayed in a rolling list, and when I highlight a new place to make a note, it opens a new box, and when I'm finished typing, Alt-Enter closes that box, and I scroll on.

Admittedly I lose a little horizontal space, but I do have single action efficiency getting from making a note back to reading the text.

Report · Dec 09, 2022

Hi, @Ewpin! That comment list takes up w-a-a-a-y too much screen real estate on a 13.3" laptop. 🙂

I want my Esc key back! Then both of us can work the way we prefer.

Report · Dec 09, 2022

Hope you get it then 🙂 G'luck!

Report · Jun 23, 2022

I have the same issue as Nancy23042458zn8q.

ESC key used to save text of comment and close comment. It did this in both the popup comment and the comment in the right-hand pane.

This week, the function of the ESC key changed. I would like to restore previous function of ESC key.

Report · Jun 23, 2022

@Amber5FA1, I have to wonder (a) who suggests these changes and (b) for whom they represent progress?
My proofing task last night and this morning involved w-a-a-a-a-y more clicking than previously necessary.
I would not have applied this Acrobat update if I had not been experiencing a consistent pattern of application freezes while using the Comment tools.

Report · Jun 24, 2022

This is very frustrating. Much of my work relies on using ESC to save time and the wearing of my carpal tunnel (now I have to click "post" with mouse)

Report · Jun 26, 2022

@Haoran25007929fta0, I'm disheartened that there's no followup or feedback beyond the suggestion to deactivate already inactive settings. I wish someone would comment on the logic behind this unhelpful change! (And yes, I realize that this is a user-to-user forum, but I also know that Adobe personnel frequent these boards. Witness one comment above.)

Report · Jun 26, 2022

It's disappointing!

I've just tried Acrobat Pro (the app rather than the online cloud version) on another computer. The ESC worked fine. Is it the logic that DC is free?!

Report · Jun 26, 2022

I'm using Acrobat Pro on my M-1 Mac and the Esc key no longer works.

Report · Jun 26, 2022

Sorry Nancy, just realised that my Pro on Mac is signed in with enterprise licence. Do you have the same button as the screenshot below shows?

Report · Jun 27, 2022

No, I don't have that button in the UI. Here's the toolbar while I'm in Comment mode.

Report · Jun 27, 2022

Interesting. This UI looks like Reader.

Perhaps switch to a Windows computer before this is resolved if that's an option. I'll ask my organisation to contact them. Hope that voice is stronger.

In the meantime when I work in Reader on a no Pro licence computer I'd have to train my brain for a few minutes to click the mouse outside the box as an alternative of ESC. It's annoying as there's always a worry behind my mind that the comments are not posted and I left an error there.

Report · Jun 27, 2022

I'm on a Windows PC with enterprise license for Acrobat. I really miss using the ESC key to save-and-close a comment!

Report · Jun 27, 2022

@Amber5FA1 How can this be?!!!

The enterprise version number of mine is 2015.007.20033.