How to Allow a Second Signer to Edit Form Fields in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to configure an approval workflow so that a second signer can edit form fields previously filled out by the first signer.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC / Adobe Acrobat Sign
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing an Acrobat DC document approval workflow connected to Workday HCM where a document requires sequential input and signatures from multiple parties.
- Observed behavior
- When the document reaches the second signer, the form fields completed by the first signer are automatically locked and cannot be edited.
Ensure you have the necessary sender or administrative permissions in Adobe Acrobat Sign to modify field assignments and workflow configurations before dispatching the agreement.
Configure Field Assignments in Adobe Acrobat Sign
Modify the field properties in the Adobe Sign authoring environment to explicitly assign edit permissions to the second signer.
By default, applying a digital signature locks the document to protect its integrity and prevent tampering. To allow subsequent signers to modify specific data fields, you must configure the form fields appropriately before initiating the routing process.
Log into Adobe Acrobat Sign. When preparing your document for the Workday HCM workflow, ensure you check the box for 'Preview & Add Signature Fields' before clicking send.
In the authoring environment, double-click the specific form field that needs to be editable by the second signer to open its properties menu.
Under the 'Assigned To' dropdown, select 'Anyone' or specifically assign the field to 'Participant 2' (the second signer) instead of restricting it exclusively to the first signer.
Click 'OK' to save the new field properties, verify that all necessary signature blocks are placed, and send the document through the workflow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDF form fields automatically lock after the first signature?
Digital signatures are fundamentally designed to secure the document and prevent tampering. When a signature is applied, most PDF software automatically locks the preceding fields to ensure the signed data remains exactly as it was when the signer approved it.
Can I unlock a signed PDF to edit the fields?
Generally, you cannot unlock a signed PDF without invalidating the existing signatures. To edit fields, you either need to clear the signature (if you have the required permissions), request a new copy from the sender, or configure the workflow in advance to allow specific fields to remain editable.
How do text tags work for assigning fields in Workday HCM?
Text tags are specific text strings placed directly in a document template that Adobe Sign reads and converts into form fields. You can append role directives (like ':signer2' or ':anyone') to a tag to dictate exactly which participant in the Workday workflow has permission to fill or edit that field.
