Fix Acrobat 2017 Create Form Missing Requires Signature Option
Question details
The user is unable to find the 'Requires Signature' option or signature fields when using the Create Form workflow.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to create a fillable PDF form that includes a requirement for digital or electronic signatures.
- Observed behavior
- The signature option and related signature tools are completely missing from the Create Form workflow interface.
Ensure you have your Adobe Acrobat license information ready to verify whether you are using the Standard or Pro edition, as advanced form features vary between the two.
Verify Your Adobe Acrobat Edition
Check if you are using Acrobat Standard or Acrobat Pro, as signature field creation is restricted in basic editions.
Adobe restricts certain advanced form-creation workflows and signature fields to the Pro edition of Acrobat. If you are using Acrobat Standard, these tools will not appear in your interface.
Launch Adobe Acrobat 2017 on your computer.
Click on the 'Help' tab in the top menu bar, then select 'About Adobe Acrobat 2017'.
Look at the splash screen to see if your version is listed as 'Standard' or 'Pro'. If it is Standard, you will need to upgrade to access advanced form and signature features.
Check for Software Updates
Ensure your software is fully up to date, as missing interface elements can sometimes be caused by software bugs resolved in newer patches.
Add Signatures to PDFs Easily with WPS Office
If your current PDF software limits form creation and signing, WPS Office provides a comprehensive, lightweight PDF editor that allows you to sign documents and manage PDF pages seamlessly without expensive edition upgrades.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF file using the built-in WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Navigate to the Fill & Sign Tool: Click on the 'Insert' or 'Protect' tab at the top of the interface, and select the 'PDF Signature' option.
- 3. Create Your Signature: Draw, type, or upload an image of your signature in the dialog box, then place it securely anywhere on the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are signature fields grayed out in my PDF document?
Signature fields may be disabled if the document has security restrictions applied by the original author, or if it is certified with restricted permissions preventing modifications.
Can I add a signature block in Acrobat Standard?
Basic signing features are available in Acrobat Standard via the Fill & Sign tool, but creating advanced fillable forms with designated 'Requires Signature' tracking fields requires Acrobat Pro.
Does WPS Office support filling out PDF forms?
Yes, WPS Office includes a robust PDF editor that allows you to easily fill out interactive PDF forms, insert electronic signatures, and save the completed document.
