On the left file, "draw tool" is beside the "sketch tool", which it supposed to be.
However, the right file only "sketch tool" , "text selection " and "rectangular selection" are present.
It happens from time to time.
Anyone know why or how to fix?
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.2
Hello iii_m_c.
Please see this page from the Preview User Guide: Annotate a PDF in Preview on Mac - Apple Support
About halfway down the page where the tools are described, it is stated:
"Draw 
Draw a shape using a single stroke. Press your finger more firmly on the trackpad to draw with a heavier, darker line.
This tool appears only on computers with a Force Touch trackpad. "
Could this be the issue? Sometimes you're using a Mac that has the Force Touch trackpad, and other times not?
Hello iii_m_c.
Please see this page from the Preview User Guide: Annotate a PDF in Preview on Mac - Apple Support
About halfway down the page where the tools are described, it is stated:
"Draw
Draw a shape using a single stroke. Press your finger more firmly on the trackpad to draw with a heavier, darker line.
This tool appears only on computers with a Force Touch trackpad. "
Could this be the issue? Sometimes you're using a Mac that has the Force Touch trackpad, and other times not?
If you haven't rebooted into Safe mode anytime recently you should try that to see if it helps. Let the macOS do drive directory repair, cache clearing and other misc housekeeping. Often just booting into safe mode and logging in, then immediately rebooting normally will resolve an issue. You should do this with all your external peripherals disconnected but the keyboard and mouse.
To boot to Safe mode, press the Shift key until you see the Apple logo and progress bar when you restart you Mac.
Booting into Safe Mode…
Use safe mode to isolate issues - Apple Support
Note– starting up in Safe mode could take 10 minutes or more. Be patient.
Does the problem persist while in Safe mode?
Restart your Macintosh and re-evaluate the issue.
The two files are opened on the same mac.
So I guess that's not the cause of the missing “draw tool”.
Exactly... all files are PDF.
It even sometimes happened to be "same files" with different open time.
"Quit Preview" does not help. It's really annoying...!
Well, that is interesting.
Are both files of the same type... PDF?
"Draw Tool" is Missing from Preview Markup Toolbar
