How to Automatically Email a Signed PDF from Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs a fillable PDF survey to be automatically emailed via Outlook after a digital signature is applied, but the signature locks the document and disables the submit button.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a fillable PDF form that requires a user's digital signature and a working submit button to email the completed document.
- Observed behavior
- Applying a digital signature automatically locks all fields in the PDF document, making the email submit button read-only and unclickable.
Ensure you have the master copy of the PDF form and access to Adobe Acrobat Pro or Standard to modify the form field properties.
Configure Signature Field Settings to Keep Submit Button Active
Adjust the digital signature field properties so it only locks specific form fields, ensuring the submit/email button remains clickable after signing.
By default, Adobe Acrobat may lock the entire document when a digital signature is applied to protect its integrity. By customizing the 'Signed' properties, you can explicitly exclude your submit button from this lock.
Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat, navigate to the Tools menu, and select 'Prepare Form' to enable form editing.
Right-click the digital signature field in your document and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Navigate to the 'Signed' tab within the Properties dialog box. Check the box for 'Mark as read-only'.
Choose the option 'All except...' or 'Just these fields...', and use the field picker to ensure your Submit/Email button is not selected to be locked.
Close the Properties dialog and save your PDF. Test the form by signing it; the submit button should now remain active.
Use JavaScript to Trigger an Email Upon Signing
Attach a JavaScript snippet directly to the signature field to automatically open an Outlook email draft as soon as the signature is applied.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a PDF become completely locked after applying a digital signature?
By default, applying a digital signature locks the fields in a PDF to prevent any further modifications. This security measure ensures the document's content and integrity are maintained exactly as they were at the moment of signing.
Can I trigger an email without using JavaScript in Acrobat?
Yes, you can add a standard 'Submit a form' action to a button using a 'mailto:' URL. However, if the document locks entirely upon signing, you still need to adjust the signature's 'Signed' properties to exclude this button from becoming read-only.
What if the JavaScript mailDoc function doesn't open an email client?
The mailDoc function relies on the user's default email application being properly configured on their operating system. Ensure that Outlook or your preferred email client is set as the default mail application in your Windows or macOS settings.
