How to Configure Adobe Acrobat PDF Forms for Multiple Signers
Question details
The user needs to configure a PDF agreement form so the sender can fill in specific details before routing it sequentially to two or more signers for completion.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Preparing a multi-party school agreement form where initial data must be entered by the sender and retained, while subsequent fields must be assigned to specific signers.
- Observed behavior
- The data entered by the sender does not appear in the signer's version of the form, and the correct method for assigning required fields to different participants is unclear.
Ensure you have access to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or an active Acrobat Sign plan, as advanced sequential routing and multi-signer workflows require these premium subscription features.
Configure Prefill and Required Fields for Routing
Set specific form fields as "Prefill" to retain sender information, and use the "Required" setting to assign mandatory fields to respective signers before using the Send for Signature tool.
To ensure that data entered by the sender is visible to all subsequent signers, those specific input fields must be designated as Prefill fields. Without this setting, the system may reset standard form fields when initiating the signature workflow.
Additionally, fields that belong to a specific signer must be explicitly assigned to their role and marked as required to prevent them from submitting an incomplete form.
Launch Adobe Acrobat, open your PDF form, and select the 'Prepare Form' tool from the right-hand pane to access form field properties.
Double-click the fields that the sender needs to complete before routing. In the Properties dialog, configure the role or field settings as 'Prefill' so the sender's input is locked and visible to all recipients.
Double-click the fields designated for the signers. Assign each field to the appropriate participant (e.g., Signer 1, Signer 2) and check the 'Required' box to mandate completion.
Go to the 'Send for Signature' or 'Request e-signatures' tool. Add the email addresses of the recipients in the exact sequential order you want the document to be routed.
Click 'Specify Where to Sign' or 'Send'. You will be prompted to fill out your 'Prefill' fields first. Once you complete them, the document is automatically sent to Signer 1.
Easily Fill, Sign, and Share PDF Forms with WPS Office
If you need a fast and efficient way to fill out form data, add electronic signatures, and share agreements without complex configurations, WPS Office provides a robust and user-friendly PDF editor.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF agreement or form you need to process.
- 2. Access Fill & Sign: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Edit' tab located on the top toolbar.
- 3. Complete form fields: Click directly into the interactive text fields or checkboxes to fill out your portion of the information.
- 4. Add your signature: Click the 'Sign' button to draw, type, or upload an image of your electronic signature and place it on the document.
- 5. Save and share: Save the filled document and email it to the next participant so they can repeat the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my filled data disappear when I send the PDF for signature?
If sender-filled fields are not explicitly set as 'Prefill' in their properties, Adobe's signature workflow may treat them as blank fields meant for the recipient, clearing your initial input. Using the Prefill setting locks your data before routing.
How many signers can I route a document to using Acrobat Pro DC?
With the standard Adobe Acrobat Sign individual service plan included in Acrobat Pro DC, you can send a document for signature to up to 10 signers simultaneously.
What happens if a signer forgets to fill out their assigned field?
If you check the 'Required' box in the field properties and assign it to a specific signer, the Acrobat Sign platform will not let that signer submit or complete the document until they have filled in the required information.
Can I define the exact signing order for multiple people?
Yes. When using the 'Send for Signature' workflow, you can list the recipient email addresses sequentially. The system will automatically route the document to the next person on the list only after the previous person has completed their part.
