Can't use Apple Pencil to highlight, underline, or strikethrough OCRd text on iPad Pro

[robertw1627610]

I have several PDFs that I was able to highlight and underline text in just a couple days ago, but now if I use the blue pencil button in the bottom right-hand corner and select 'Comment' (or if I just double-tap with the pencil in the document), I'm unable to highlight or underline anything.

I know the text is still in each PDF because once I get out of Comment I'm still able to select text using my finger. And interestingly, I can even apply a highlight at that point since I can use a pop-up menu that appears once I've selected a selection. But I can't do anything with the pencil, and I can't do anything in Comment mode aside from drawing freehand. 

I've tried deleting the app and reinstalling it. I've tried changing the iPad general settings for my pencil to indicate that I don't want Pencil to be the only way I can draw on the screen. But nothing has worked. Super frustrating, especially because I know how it used to work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mary Kathryne33848361o4wm]

I'm havin the SAME problem. A month ago, I'd double-tap and could hilight. Now it just magnifies in a small window. 

[S. S]

Hi @robertw1627610 @Mary Kathryne33848361o4wm,

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

I have forwarded the issue to the dev team to investigate further.

I will update the thread once I have an update from them.

Meanwhile, I suggest updating the application to the latest version.

-Souvik

[S. S]

Hi @robertw1627610 @Mary Kathryne33848361o4wm,

Would you mind sharing a sample PDF file where you experienced the issue for the team to test further?

You can use the blue "Browse" button below the reply box to attach the file.

Thanks,

Souvik

[robertw1627610]

Sure,

Here's a copy of a file that I've encountered this problem with. Here's the workflow in its entirety for your Dev Team:

1. On my iPad Pro 4th Gen. running iPadOS Ver. 17.1.1, open Adobe Acrobat Reader version 23.10.01 (20231107.165433)
2. Click "Files" and navigate to my Dropbox folder where PDF files reside. Select and load the attached PDF
3.  PDF appears to be a scan without text, so click  . . . and select "Recognize text"
4. Once complete test to ensure text is selectable by finger
5. Confirm text is NOT selectable using Apple Pencil 2
6. Use Apple Pencil to either double-tap or select the blue circle with Pencil in the bottom right-hand cornerof the screen (double-tap goes automatically to "Comment" mode displaying a menu bar including icons for highlight, strikethrough, underline, etc.; selecting the blue circle brings up a menu overlay containing Comment, Fill & Sign, Edit PDF, and Organize Pages. I select "Comment" and am presented with the same menu bar of commenting tools)
7.  Select the highlight tool using Pencil and attempt to highlight text using either the Pencil or finger, a rectangular magnifying glass appears above my finger or Pencil tip. No text is selected or highlighted when released.

[Mary Kathryne33848361o4wm]

Hello.  
This is occurring with every document, even documents that had previously been hilighted without issue.  I have tried turning liquid mode on and off, as well as 'recognize text'.  No matter what I've tried when I tap and hold, instead of text being selected with a purple-ish drag/hilight, a small magnification box appears and hovers where I drag my pencil.  This is my version 23.10.01 (20231107.165433)

[jessie_1072]

1 am having the same issue onthe New iPad Air 11" m2 with the Apple Pencil Pro. Is there an update expected toresolve this issue. I need this feature to work for my undergraduate research internship. I will have to cancel my Adobe subscription and seek a more functional PDF reader. I don't want to pay for a product that doesn't work the way I need it to...

[robertw1627610]

Yep, I get the little magnifier box as well. 

[S. S]

@robertw1627610,

Would you mind sharing the above asked details for further testing.

-Souvik

[robertw1627610]

Sure thing. I think I gave you everything you asked for in response to your message above. 

[S. S]

@robertw1627610 Thank you so much for sharing the details.

I have forwarded the same to the dev team.

[robertw1627610]

@S. S Any update on this? The problem seemed to arise literally overnight one day so I'm hoping the resolution will be pretty quick too.

[S. S]

Hi @robertw1627610 the issue has been worked upon and fixed.

The fix will be live with the next update.

-Souvik

[robertw1627610]

That's great to hear @S. S . When is the next update coming?

[S. S]

@robertw1627610 Can't specify the exact date. But yes, somewhere mid next month.

-Souvik

[LondonSaturn]

Why hasn't adobe employee responded? There is no telephone support for Adobe Acrobat and this is not being responded to! We have paid a lot of money for this product which doesnt work - same issue as above. What the hell is going in?

[S. S]

Hi @LondonSaturn This has been fixed.

Have you tried the latest version? Please let us know if you experience the issue with the current version and share a screen recording for further investigation.

-Souvik

[jessie_1072]

I am running the latest update and having this same problem

[jessie_1072]

I am having the same issue and it is nearly September 2024. Running newest version on iPad Air M2 with the Apple Pencil pro

[gotto_3307]

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue, especially since it was working fine just a few days ago. Here are a few things you can try to get your Apple Pencil and PDF highlighting/underlining working again:

1. Check the App's Pencil Settings: Some PDF apps have specific settings for the Apple Pencil. Make sure you haven’t accidentally disabled the ability to highlight or underline with the pencil. Look for options like "Pencil Mode" or "Annotation Settings" in the app and ensure they're set up to allow text highlighting and underlining.

2. Update the App: If the app recently updated, it’s possible that a bug was introduced. Try updating the app to the latest version, or if it's already up to date, check if there are any known bugs or fixes mentioned in the app's support forums.

3. Try a Different PDF App: If the issue persists, you might want to try using a different PDF reader app to see if the problem is specific to that app or more widespread.

4. Restart Your iPad: Sometimes a simple restart can fix issues with the Apple Pencil and its interactions with apps.

Since you’re dealing with tech frustrations, it’s always good to take a break, stay warm, and relax. You might want to check out Shop Toasty Heater to keep your space cozy while troubleshooting!

I hope one of these steps helps you get back to highlighting and underlining in your PDFs!

4o