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How do I create a PDF to use digital signatures to automate sign-off ?

sasquartch
Registered: May 9 2007
Posts: 3

Hi
I'm a complete newbie to Acrobat but here is what I am trying to achieve.
My employer wants to automate a process.
Basically, a document exists that is used for a particular type of purchasing. The form is initially filled in with one or more descriptive fields. This is then signed by the originator.
Then it is passed to an approver.
Then, it may, depending on value, be passed to one or more further approvers.
Once all required approvers have signed it is then deemed to be 'approved'
Then, this is passed to accounts who allocate a number

I want to have some method where this can be done electronically, the form data filled in by the originator and accounts, the form passed around by email, and digital signatures used for approval.

I also want to be able to use Adobe Reader for the approvers and accounts, perhaps only using Acrobat Professional to create the template

Can anyone describe how to do this or alternatively point me in the direction of a document that will help me ? Not really sure where to start !!

Any help or advice appreciated.

Thanks

pdftrainer
Expert
Registered: Dec 14 2005
Posts: 180
Start out with my articles:

http://www.acrobatusers.com/articles/2006/07/getting_started_forms/index.php
http://www.acrobatusers.com/articles/2006/08/designer_or_forms/index.php
http://www.acrobatusers.com/articles/2006/09/nuts_bolts_forms/index.php

And then post when you have specific questions.

Carl Young
www.pdfconference.com

A certified expert on Adobe Acrobat, Carl Young is an Adobe Acrobat and LiveCycle Designer trainer and consultant based in Phoenix. He is the producer of the [link=http://www.pdfconference.com/]PDF Conference[/link].

sasquartch
Registered: May 9 2007
Posts: 3
Thanks for your help - that has certainly got me started.

My initial finding is that it doesn't seem possible for users to sign a 'Document Signature Field' if they only have Reader - is this the case or am I missing something ? One of my aims is to have a document that can be passed around via email for people to sign, it might be a problem if everyone needs a full version. If this is so, would I need Standard or Professional as a minimum ?

Any help appreciated

Thanks, Paul
lkassuba
ExpertTeam
Registered: Jun 28 2007
Posts: 3636
You'll need to Reader-enable your form in Acrobat 8 Pro. This will allow Adobe Reader (only 8.0 and higher) recipients to digitally sign your form.

Lori Kassuba is an AUC Expert and Community Manager for AcrobatUsers.com.