Markup tools changed for the worse after Aug 8, 2023 update

[douglsmith1]

We use Reader for proofing markup of our InDesign projects. After the August 8, 2023 update to Reader, the way the markup tools work changed significantly in a bad way.

The biggest example is that we used to be able to highlight text and start typing, and it would create a “replace text” comment automatically. Now we have to click through a sidebar menu drop-down, select the replace text tool, then highlight, then type.

This and some of the other changes are turning out to be a huge time sink.

Is there a way to downgrade or get the old behavior back?

[daniellem14304734]

I agree. I came here looking for an answer to this as well. I have Pro and it's the same issue. It is significantlly affecting my productivity when I have at least 20 documents a day to proof with deadlines. Hopefully there is a solution.

[Tariq Ahmad Dar]

Hi All,

Hope you are doing well.

We acknowledge that the new Acrobat represents a notable change; however, we hope that as you get familiar with the new interface, you can be more productive and get more out of Acrobat.

We are actively working on all the currently unavailable features, such as customizing the all-page display, navigation & zoom tools such as 2-page view, 2-page with scrolling, marquee & dynamic zoom, etc., from the bottom right menu. And we will address them with the highest priority.

As you get more comfortable with the new interface, please contact us with specific questions on tools, features, or functionalities. We’re happy to provide helpful resources and answers to your questions.

If your critical workflows are impacted, you can switch to the old UI from the “Menu” on the top left corner of Windows and View Menu on MacOS. We will follow up with a detailed community-featured post, guiding you to familiarise yourself with the new interface and regular updates on upcoming changes.

Thanks,
Tariq Dar

[douglsmith1]

No matter how familiar any of us gets with the new interface, taking five steps to do what was once a single step can never possibly be more productive.

[daniellem14304734]

THIS. 100%. When you could highlight something and start typing to show where to replace text or put your curser after a word to type what should be inserted and now have to click a menu, choose the option (sometimes clicking multiple times for the function to work), then highlight and type...and then do that multiple times for multiple edits because the function is only good for one use, will never make me more productive. i have reverted my version to remove the current update. 

[Jeffrey36937767vk3r]

How to we return to the prior version?   We need some instructions on how/where to download it.   This new version is unaccepted.   Can't imagine how a major software firm operates in continuing to give us worse functionality rather than better. 

[default24ijfzziw5ss]

Same issue here - I use Pro and the mark up tools are now so clunky. It feels like a step backwards to several years ago to have to select each tool before you use it, rather than, for example, simply being able to type the replacement text. I also agree with the other user who says you have to click things multiple times for them to work.  

[Rebecca32759127zezy]

Warning: About Tariq's comment "you can switch to the old UI from the “Menu” on the top left corner of Windows and View Menu on MacOS," I had to try that three times before it "took," for some reason.

Tariq: I plan to continue using the old version for the moment - I use it primarily for proofing, either illustrations or typesetting pages, for publishers - because although I do find some features significantly improved, I have one major problem so far: When I use a tool in the Comments menu, such as Insert text or Draw, I can't turn it off! I expected clicking the option again to turn it off, but that doesn't work. So if, for example, I open an Insert window and then want to copy the original text in there to edit, clicking in the document to do that just adds another Insert window, etc. I can turn on another tool, but the only way to get them all closed seems to be to close and reopen the document. Is there another way to do that?

[Tariq Ahmad Dar]

@Rebecca32759127zezy Appreciate your feedback and time. Let's check that out, and will let you know. 
In the meantime, if it would be possible to record this behavior and share the video with us, that would be helpful. 

~Tariq

[douglsmith1]

Here is a video demonstrating the new vs old way. 

[Melissa35012300kwq0]

Just shared with our entire editorial team how to revert because, so many months in, we all cannot stand the new version. It takes at least twice as long to edit--probably twice along because we consistently forget and do it the "old" (better) way. 

[ScottArthur4321]

It's caused huge problems for my clients. I have told them I won't accept marked-up PDFs using the new format. It's too difficult to read, resulting in errors.  They've gone back to printing docs and marking up with red pen...

[ScottArthur4321]

Agreed. It's awful.

[louisew99677504]

I also hate the new changes to the markup tools. It takes many more clicks and more time and it's incredibly frustrating. Please change this back right away or I will have to find another app to use.

[Charlotte35647515lswa]

Just to add my voice to the complaints abou thte new markup tool 'function'. I used to have a toolbar with just the 5 tools I used all the time, now I have to click many more buttons - to find the right tool each time (it doesn't get easier!) and to switch it off and on. Even after all these months it's still driving me nuts.