Reader freeze after opening PDF files created by AutoCAD

[Maher Hattab]

I have the latest free release from Acrobat Reader 24.002.20965, and from the last 2 releases, I have had the same issue that the reader freezes when I open A file initially created from AutoCAD regardless of the size of the file.

   I noticed this issue from 17.July.2024.

[S. S]

Hi @Maher Hattab,

Hope you are doing well. Sorry for your experience with Acrobat Reader.

When you create a PDF from AutoCAD, would you mind trying this out:

Stop AutoCAD from embedding SHX text into the PDF. On the command line in AutoCAD, type EPDFSHX (or PDFSHX) and set the value to 0 (zero).

If this does not work, try this: 

Open Acrobat Reader (without any document open) - Edit --> Preferences --> Commenting --> Uncheck all options for 'Viewing Comments' and 'Pop-Up Open Behaviour.'

Hope this helps.

-Souvik

[Maher Hattab]

Hi @S. S 

Thanks for the feedback

Others created the files.. so I cannot modify them from AutoCAD

I tried the second option, but unfortunately, the issue was not solved

I have an inner feeling that it relates to a Windows update 🙂

[S. S]

@Maher Hattab Another suggestion.

Go to Preferences-> Page Display-> uncheck the options "Smooth Line Art," "Smooth Images," "Enhance thin lines," and "Use Page Cache."

-Souvik

[Chris389016757nh0]

Hi there.

I'm having the exact same problem. If I open a PDF that was generated with AutoCAD, it just crashes Adobe Acrobat. I can, however, open the PDF if I already have Acrobat open, and THEN open the PDF.

I've also verified that generating a new PDF from AutoCAD after disabling SHX text works fine.

This however does not fix previously created PDFs. We need a solution in order to make these openable in Adobe Acrobat.

[S. S]

@Maher Hattab @Chris389016757nh0 Thanks for the info.

Please use this link: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/acrobat-diagnostics.html to collect crash logs and share the unique ID of the log.

-Souvik

[Maher Hattab]

Done, and the log has been sent

ID Log: 2a16b775-54c7-4f64-af1a-44874435ce56

I tried the second suggestion, but it was still the same

[S. S]

Thanks @Maher Hattab, for sharing this. Forwarded to the dev team for further investigation.

Allow me some time and I'll get back to you.

-Souvik

[Maher Hattab]

Hi

Is there any feedback? as the issue is still not solved

[S. S]

@Maher Hattab Sorry for the delay.

The team is not able to reproduce the issue with the logs shared. 

Would you be interested in joining a call with me? This will help us understand the situation better and expedite the fix.

If yes, let me know if the email address you are registered on the community is the best mode of communication so I can share a link to schedule a call per your preferred time.

-Souvik

[Maher Hattab]

Yes, sure

You can contact me via the email registered on the community

[S. S]

@Maher Hattab Sent an email. 

Please check the email and respond accordingly so I can make the arrangements.

-Souvik

[Maher Hattab]

Just to let you know, I understood the reason behind the issue; it was due to another software, Grammarly. So, I am now closing this app before opening the reader, and everything goes just fine.

Thanks for your time & support

[Vito_Fama4144]

This worked for me... quiting Grammarly. Not sure why this would prevent it! Back to normal now.

[tansel_1048]

Yes, exactly. It worked for me too. I noticed that Grammarly was causing the DWG PDF freezing issue. I don't know the reason, but after quitting Grammarly, I haven't experienced any more freezing problems.

[creative explorer]

@Maher Hattab you mentioned that this is the 'Free' version of Acrobat Reader, have you tried using Acrobat Pro? There is a 7-day trial, see if you are having the same issues, and if Acrobat Pro works wonders for you, maybe, this is easiest solution to your problem? https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/free-trial-download.html

[Maher Hattab]

Thanks for the advice

   The full version has impressive features, but they are not needed for now. I registered for the trial paid version, but this didn't help, and the problem is still the same!

[Chris389016757nh0]

I was able to fix this (for now) by reverting to the previous Adobe Reader UI. You can go to Menu -> Disable New Acrobat Reader.

This seems to work for me and my scenario. Mainly disables all the AI crap.

[S. S]

@Chris389016757nh0 Thanks for sharing the solution. 

While I understand that you could get it to work by reverting to the Old UI, it would have been helpful if we could get the logs to expedite the investigation.

-Souvik

[rfrlopes]

Hi @S. S,

I have been having this same problem with Acrobat Reader lagging and freezing, when trying to open PDF files generated in AutoCAD for several months. Currently I have the latest version (version 25.001.20432), but no improvements.

The solution presented by @Chris389016757nh0 solved the problem.

There is no new solution for this problem? The disabling of the new UI is the only solution?

[S. S]

Hi @rfrlopes,

As previously mentioned in my response, we are still waiting for fresh log files.

Would you mind helping me with this? 

Please help us gather logs from your machine: https://adobe.ly/4l1gBRA. Please make sure Procmon is selected. You can upload logs using this tool and share your Unique log ID with us. 

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Souvik.

[S. S]

Hi @rfrlopes,

A small update:

Would you mind trying the below steps:

1. Go to Start > Registry Editor > Below Location:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\FeatureLockDown\cServices]

2. Create a DWord: bFSSFieldDetection
3. Value: 0

While you do this, make sure Acrobat is completely closed.

Let me know how it goes.

Regards,
Souvik.