Changing default text box properties in Adobe Acrobat
What’s the Problem?
I use Adobe Acrobat in class to take notes, and whenever I use a text box, it has a red outline with red text. How can I change the default settings so when I drag out a text box, it’s just black?
What Caused The Problem?
I had this problem just over a year ago, when I began taking my Macbook to class to jot notes. Today, I was approached by a classmate having a similar problem.
The root of the problem is an interface very different than what we are used to (i.e. Page, or Office), and what seems like a needlessly confusing and bulky menu system.
An extensive Google search didn’t reveal any insight, and I suppose it shouldn’t. The problem seems like it has an obvious solution, after all, common sense dictates we can adjust default properties. However, it seems as though this solution escapes many people (myself included). Read below for how to adjust these default settings, and rid yourself of that unsightly red box/text.
What’s the solution?
The images below show step by step progression of how to change default text box properties.
- We need to activate the properties bar, to do this, use the shortcut ‘Apple+E’, or go to View > Toolbars > Properties bar.
- Single click the text box. The properties bar will change to echo the property you have selected (text box). Change the colour of your box outline, the style of it, or remove it completely with this properties bar.
- Double-click your text box, and highlight all your text (Apple+A). The properties bar will change to echo the property you have selected (text). Change the colour of the text here from ‘Red’ to ‘Black’ (or whatever else you’d like).
- Lastly, lose focus on the text box (i.e. click outside of it), then right click your text box and select ‘Make Current Properties Default’.
- Optionally, you can single click the text box, and select ‘Keep Tool Selected’ so that you can place multiple text boxes without re-clicking the ‘text box’ icon.
