Fix Missing Signed Tab in Acrobat Pro DC Signature Properties
Question details
The user is unable to locate the 'Signed' tab in the signature field properties, preventing them from applying post-signature restrictions to the form.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Configuring digital signature fields to enforce specific locking restrictions on a PDF form after a user signs it.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Signed' tab is completely missing from the Signature Field Properties dialog box.
Ensure you are editing the document in the 'Prepare Form' mode and verify whether your workflow is intended for local certificate signatures or cloud-based Adobe Sign e-signatures.
Verify Signature Field Type and Recreate as Digital Signature
The Signed tab only appears for local certificate-based digital signatures, not for Adobe Sign fields. You must create the correct field type.
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC distinguishes between e-signatures (Adobe Sign) and traditional certificate-based Digital Signatures. The 'Signed' tab, which allows you to configure post-signature locking and scripts, is exclusively available for traditional Digital Signatures.
If your form was accidentally configured to use Adobe Sign tools, this tab will be hidden by design. Deleting the incorrect field and adding a standard digital signature field resolves the issue.
Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro DC, go to the 'Tools' pane, and select 'Prepare Form'.
Locate the signature field that is missing the Signed tab, right-click it, and select 'Delete'.
On the Prepare Form toolbar, click the 'Add a digital signature' icon (it looks like a pen with a certificate). Click and drag on the document to draw the new field.
Right-click the newly created Digital Signature field, select 'Properties', and verify that the 'Signed' tab is now visible.
Disable Adobe Sign Enforcement in Preferences
Sometimes Acrobat defaults to Adobe Sign mode for all signature fields, hiding advanced digital signature properties.
Easily Add and Manage Digital Signatures with WPS PDF
Avoid complex property menus and hidden tabs. WPS Office provides an intuitive, user-friendly PDF editor that allows you to easily insert, manage, and validate digital signatures without the hassle of configuring advanced form fields.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF document.
- 2. Navigate to the Protect Tab: Click on the 'Protect' tab located in the top ribbon menu to access security features.
- 3. Apply Digital Signature: Click 'Digital Signature', select your digital certificate, and place your signature directly onto the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Signed tab missing in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC?
The Signed tab is only available for local, certificate-based digital signatures. If the form field was created for cloud-based e-signatures (Adobe Sign), the Signed tab is hidden by design.
What is the difference between Adobe Sign and Digital Signatures?
Adobe Sign is a cloud-based electronic signature service, while Digital Signatures rely on encrypted, local or hardware-based cryptographic certificates to validate a signer's identity and secure the document.
How do I lock a PDF after signing?
Create a standard Digital Signature field using the Prepare Form tool. Right-click the field, choose Properties, navigate to the Signed tab, and select the option to mark the document or specific fields as read-only after signing.
Can I convert an Adobe Sign field to a Digital Signature field?
No, you cannot directly convert the field type. You must delete the existing Adobe Sign field and use the 'Add a digital signature' tool to draw a new certificate-based signature field.
