Fix Missing Send for Signature Tool in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user is unable to find the Send for Signature or Adobe Sign tool within the Adobe Acrobat desktop application.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to request electronic signatures on a PDF document using the Adobe Acrobat desktop application after a software update.
- Observed behavior
- The Send for Signature option has disappeared from the Tools menu and remains missing even after reinstalling the application.
Verify your current Adobe Acrobat installation version by navigating to Help > About Acrobat. This will help determine if your version has deprecated the desktop signature feature in favor of the cloud-based Adobe Sign platform.
Access the Request Signature Feature via Adobe Acrobat Web
Since Adobe deprecated the desktop Request Signature functionality in certain Acrobat DC updates, accessing the cloud version is the official and most reliable workaround.
Adobe has shifted its document routing services to the cloud. If you are on a newer version of Acrobat where the desktop tool is unavailable, you must sign in to the web version to process signature requests.
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Adobe Acrobat online portal. Log in using the Adobe ID associated with your subscription.
Click on 'Upload a file' to add the PDF document you wish to send for signature into the cloud workspace.
Once the document is open in the web viewer, locate and select the 'Fill & Sign' option from the right-hand tool pane.
Click on 'Request Signature' (previously known as Send for Signature) to enter the recipient emails and route the document.
Locate the Renamed Adobe Sign Tool in Older Releases
If you are running an older version of Adobe Acrobat prior to the web-only migration, the tool may still be available under a different name.
Easily Sign and Manage PDFs with WPS Office
If you prefer handling your PDF signatures locally without relying on forced web portals, WPS Office offers a straightforward, built-in PDF reader and editor. You can easily add, manage, and share signed documents natively on your desktop.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and open your PDF document using WPS PDF.
- 2. Access the Fill & Sign Tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' tab located on the top ribbon menu of the WPS PDF editor.
- 3. Create a New Signature: Click on 'Sign' and choose to type, draw, or insert an image of your signature.
- 4. Place the Signature: Drag and drop the newly created signature onto the appropriate signature line within the document.
- 5. Save and Share: Save your digitally signed PDF locally and share it via email with your required recipients directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adobe remove the Send for Signature tool from Acrobat DC?
Adobe deprecated the desktop version of the Request Signature functionality in newer updates to unify their services and push users toward their cloud-based Adobe Sign web platform.
Can I downgrade my Adobe Acrobat to get the Send for Signature tool back?
While it is technically possible to install an older version, downgrading is not recommended due to potential security vulnerabilities. It is safer to use the web version or alternative offline PDF software.
Is there a difference between Fill & Sign and Request Signature?
Yes. 'Fill & Sign' is typically used when you need to manually type or draw your own signature on a document. 'Request Signature' (formerly Send for Signature) is a routing tool used to securely email the document to other parties to collect their legally binding e-signatures.
How do I sign a document if I don't want to use Adobe's cloud portal?
You can use alternative PDF editors like WPS Office, which feature built-in electronic signature tools, allowing you to sign documents offline directly on your desktop device.
