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How to distribute forms with dig signatures and then merge into 1 file

Forum Index > General Acrobat Topics > How to distribute forms with dig signatures and then merge into 1 file
2010-04-14 11:37:13
Spec_Ops2087
Registered: Apr 14 2010
Posts: 1

Hi guys,

I have a question that I simply cannot find the answer for anywhere so I was hoping someone here could share some insight.

I'm trying to optimize the way we send reports around. Currently, we make a pdf, put in digital signature boxes, and forward the pdf to person A. Person A reviews the document, signs it, and sends it back to me. Then I send it to person B, he signs it, sends it back to me, and so on. Usually, this wouldn't be too much of a hassle but we routinly need 10+ people to sign it and I sometimes get lost on who has the file currently and whatever else.

Now, I'm wondering if adobe pro 9.3.1 can make this task easier to manage using the form distribution tool. However, this is where I get stuck.

I've sent the report out, using distribution > manually collect responses in email inbox. I've also recieved the responses back and have added them to the response pdf file plus I have figured out the tracker. The problem I'm having now is I have 10 of the same pdf files with one different signature in each file. Is there some way I can merge all the files into one master file that contains all the signatures or am I stuck doing this the old way of passing it along one by one by one? Is there a better way to accomplish what I'm trying to do with adobe that I havn't thought of?

(I can't use the network folder option, some people do not have access to our network drive)

Much appreciated!

My Product Information:
Acrobat Pro 9.3.1, Windows
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2010-04-18 09:36:45
#1
thomp
Expert
Registered: Feb 15 2006
Posts: 4411
No, merging files would break the whole concept of digital signatures. A signature makes a kind of Hash of the entire file at the time it is applied. This is a way of locking the application of the signature to the specific state of the document when it was signed. Any modifications to the file will cause the signature to be invalidated. Multiple signatures have to be placed one after the other on the same form. Just like a paper document.

What you need is a routing protocal for the form. You can write a script that will send the form to the next person on a list of emails. This can be a bit tricky because if it's not set up right the email list will invalidate the signature.

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
[url=http://www.pdfScripting.com]pdfscripting.com[/url]

The Acrobat JavaScript Reference, Use it Early and Often
[url=http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php]http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php[/url]

Then most important JavaScript Development tool in Acrobat
[url=http://www.pdfscripting.com/public/34.cfm#JSIntro][b]The Console Window (Video tutorial)[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.acrobatusers.com/tutorials/2006/javascript_console][b]The Console Window(article)[/b][/url]

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
www.pdfscripting.com
Very Important - How to Debug Your Script

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