How to Add Electronic Signature Fields to a PDF in Acrobat 9
Question details
The user needs to add electronic signature and date fields to a PDF and ensure that recipients using free reader software have the permissions to fill, sign, and save the document.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 9
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Preparing a PDF form for a client to digitally sign, save, and return.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to insert form fields and apply the 'Extend Features' setting so that the signature fields become functional for users without the Pro version.
Ensure you are using Adobe Acrobat Pro 9, as standard reader software cannot configure extended form-filling permissions for other users.
Adding Signature Fields and Extending Reader Features
Insert the required signature fields and use the Advanced menu to grant Adobe Reader users the ability to sign and save the file.
In Acrobat Pro 9, simply adding a signature field is not enough if your recipient uses the free Adobe Reader. You must explicitly extend the document's features to allow them to fill, sign, and save the form.
Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro 9 and use the Forms tool to add the required electronic signature and date fields into the document.
Navigate to the top menu bar and click on 'Advanced'.
From the dropdown options, select 'Extend Features in Adobe Reader'.
Save the enabled PDF document. You can now send this file to your client, allowing them to complete, sign, save, and return the document without needing premium software.
Easily Edit and Sign PDFs with WPS Office
If you are struggling with legacy software versions or need a modern, streamlined way to handle PDF documents, WPS Office offers a comprehensive PDF editor. You can effortlessly fill forms, insert electronic signatures, and edit text.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you need to sign.
- 2. Access the Sign tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'PDF Edit' tab on the top ribbon.
- 3. Create your signature: Click on 'Sign' to draw, type, or upload an image of your electronic signature.
- 4. Place and save: Click on the document to place your signature in the appropriate field, resize as needed, and save your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't my clients sign the PDF I sent them?
If the PDF form was created in older software like Acrobat 9 without selecting 'Extend Features in Adobe Reader', recipients using free reader programs will not have the required permissions to save their filled data or apply a digital signature.
Where is the 'Extend Features' option in newer versions of Acrobat?
In newer versions such as Acrobat DC, this capability is typically accessed by going to 'File', selecting 'Save As Other', and then choosing 'Reader Extended PDF'.
Do I need premium software to add signature fields?
Yes, creating fillable electronic signature fields generally requires a dedicated PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat Pro or WPS Office Premium. Free PDF readers typically only allow users to fill out existing fields or stamp a flat graphical signature.
