Fix Acrobat Pro 2020 Missing Request Signature Option
Question details
The user is unable to locate or use the Request Signature feature within Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a PDF document to others for electronic signature using the desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- The Request Signature tool is missing from the interface because the perpetual license of Acrobat Pro 2020 does not include the necessary cloud-based signing functionality.
Verify your Adobe account type to ensure you are using an active Acrobat subscription rather than a perpetual license, as cloud signing features require Document Cloud services.
Check the Fill & Sign Menu Actions
Verify if the signature feature is available under the standard Fill & Sign tool menu.
Sometimes the signature tools are nested within the secondary actions of the Fill & Sign menu rather than being displayed as a standalone tool in the main interface.
Open your PDF document in Acrobat Pro 2020, navigate to the Tools tab, and click on 'Fill & Sign'.
Look closely at the secondary menu that appears at the top or right pane to see if the 'Request Signature' button is available among the actions.
Upgrade to an Eligible Acrobat Subscription
Transition to an Adobe subscription plan to access cloud-based electronic signature services.
Fill and Sign PDFs Easily with WPS Office
If your current PDF software lacks advanced signature capabilities without expensive license upgrades, try WPS Office. It provides comprehensive PDF reading, editing, and electronic signature tools in a highly accessible package.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office, then open your target PDF file using the built-in WPS PDF reader.
- 2. Access the signature tools: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon of the application.
- 3. Create your signature: Click on 'Sign' to create a new digital signature using your keyboard, mouse, or a touchscreen device.
- 4. Apply to document: Place your signature on the required line, adjust its size, and save the signed PDF document.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Acrobat Pro 2020 and an Acrobat subscription?
Acrobat Pro 2020 is a perpetual desktop license that involves a one-time purchase but does not include ongoing feature updates or premium cloud-based services. An Acrobat subscription includes access to Document Cloud and premium online e-signature tools.
Can I use Request Signature without Adobe Document Cloud?
No, the 'Request Signature' feature relies entirely on Adobe's Document Cloud and Acrobat Sign backend services to securely route documents to recipients and track the signing process.
Why is my Request Signature option grayed out even with a subscription?
The option might be grayed out if you are not signed into the desktop app with the correct Adobe ID, your subscription has expired, or the specific PDF has security restrictions applied that prevent modifications and signatures.
