Add annotations to PDFs with clickable links

[d__s__]

I have a PDF document with many clickable hyperlinks that lead to other locations in the same PDF ("smart PDF"). If I want to add an annotation (e.g. Sticky Note) to a location that is clickable, the mouse pointer changes back to the hand symbol (with index finger extended), to be ready to click the link.

My document is an electric wiring diagram that includes large clickable shapes, and adding annotations inside the shapes is vital.

Is there a a way to "suppress" the mouse pointer turning into a "link clicker" so that I can place annotations anywhere?

P.S. I am aware that I can turn my document into a "dumb PDF" with no clickable links. However, I would like to keep the links to be able to navigate efficiently.
My current workaround is creating the annotations at a location where this is possible and then move them to the correct locations afterwards.

[Paul - PDF-XChange]

Hi, d__s__

have you tried holding the Shift key while mousing over the links?

There is also "Exclusive Mode" :

image.png

You should see the behaviour change like this:

Exclusive Mode.gif

[d__s__]

have you tried holding the Shift key while mousing over the links?

This is amazing. Exactly what I need. Thank you, Paul!

There is also "Exclusive Mode" :

This didn't do the trick for me, but using the Shift key solves my issue perfectly.

[Stefan - PDF-XChange]