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Signatures and editing

avi.rodin
Registered: Jul 19 2007
Posts: 12

I created a form that users will fill out then email back to me.
I added a signature field that the user will digitally sign, then he/she will email the PDF back to me already filled in, but I do not want to have the ability to edit the fields they filled in.
Is there a way when creating the form to say, "upon digitally signing the document, the user's signature locks all the fields so that no one else may edit it afterwards."

Thanks

lkassuba
ExpertTeam
Registered: Jun 28 2007
Posts: 3636
This can be controlled within the digital signature field you created on your form.
1. If you have an existing digital signature fields, place them in edit mode by selecting Tools > Forms > Digital Signature Tool and then double click on them OR right click and choose Properties.
2. Display the Signed tab.
3. Choose Mark as read only.
When a field with field locking specified is signed, both a normal document signature and an object hash of the locked fields are produced and included in the document.
4. Use the drop-down list to select from the following:
-All fields: All signature fields will be read only after signing.
-All fields except these: All signature fields except those specified will be read only after signing. Choose Pick and select the field to exclude.
-Just these fields: Only the specified signature fields will be read only after signing. Choose Pick and select the field to include.
5. Choose Close.

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

wglover
Registered: May 1 2008
Posts: 7
Hi, does this apply only to forms? That is, when i digitally sign my PDF, do i need to be concerned about any of this? thanks.
alihanyaloglu
Acrobat 9Adobe EmployeeExpertTeam
Registered: Jan 30 2006
Posts: 30
Hi,

The instructions Lori gave are for forms. However, for signing PDF documents in general you have a couple of considerations.

- Any changes to a PDF file after it has been signed will be "flagged".
- You can certify the document (rather than just signing), which gives you the option to prevent changes to the document once it's been certified (signed).

HTH,

Ali

Ali Hanyaloglu
Adobe Systems Incorporated
@acroboy