How to Assign a Specific Signature Field in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to learn how to restrict a signature field to a specific individual so that it does not default to being fillable by 'Anyone'.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a PDF document using the Fill & Sign tool and the 'Specify Where to Sign' feature for a document routing workflow.
- Observed behavior
- Unassigned form fields are automatically defaulting to 'Anyone' rather than being restricted to a designated signer.
Ensure you are using Adobe Acrobat DC and have the document you wish to send open. You will need access to the Prepare Form tool to modify field properties before initiating the e-signature workflow.
Convert to Adobe Sign Form and Modify Properties
Use the Prepare Form tool to explicitly assign each form field to its respective participant before sending the document for signature.
In Adobe Acrobat, the default behavior for the Fill & Sign tool is to assign any unassigned field to 'Anyone'. To enforce strict access control over who signs which field, you must convert the document into an Adobe Sign form and manually assign roles.
In Adobe Acrobat DC, open your PDF document, navigate to the Tools menu, and select 'Prepare Form'.
In the Prepare Form right-hand pane, click on the 'More' option (usually represented by a wrench or three dots) and select 'Convert to Adobe Sign Form' from the drop-down menu.
Right-click on the specific signature or form field that you want to assign to an individual, and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
In the Properties dialog box, locate the participant assignment setting and change it from 'Anyone' to your target signer (e.g., Signer 1). Click OK to save the changes.
Once all fields are properly assigned, click the 'Adobe Sign' button at the bottom right of the Prepare Form window, or use the standard Fill & Sign tool to distribute the document.
Easily Sign and Fill PDF Forms with WPS Office
If you need a quick, intuitive, and hassle-free way to fill forms and add your own electronic signature without dealing with complex participant routing configurations, WPS Office provides a powerful built-in PDF editor.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document that requires a signature.
- 2. Access the Fill & Sign Tool: Navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Fill & Sign' in the toolbar.
- 3. Create Your Signature: Click on 'Sign' and choose to create a new signature by typing your name, drawing it with your mouse, or uploading an image.
- 4. Place and Save: Drag and drop your newly created signature to the appropriate field in the document, resize it if necessary, and save your changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my signature fields defaulting to 'Anyone' in Adobe Acrobat?
This is the designed default behavior in Acrobat. Whenever an interactive field is not manually assigned to a designated participant in the form's backend properties, the Fill & Sign system automatically treats it as open to 'Anyone' who receives the document.
Can I edit the assigned signer after opening the Fill & Sign tool?
Yes, but it is easier to manage permissions beforehand. You can assign a signer to each form field on the routing page or by navigating back to the Prepare Form tool, right-clicking the field, and updating its Properties.
How do I assign fields to multiple different signers in one document?
You need to make sure your form is converted to an Adobe Sign Form within the Prepare Form tool. Afterward, open the Properties for each field individually and assign them sequentially to 'Signer 1', 'Signer 2', etc.
