How to Create a Multi-Signer PDF Form Without Locking Fields
Question details
The user needs to create a PDF form that allows multiple signers to electronically sign and complete their respective sections without the document locking after the first signature.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a PDF form for a sequential multi-signer workflow.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF form becomes locked after the first person applies their digital signature, preventing subsequent signers from completing their designated sections.
Ensure you have full editing permissions for the PDF form and know exactly which form fields each signer is required to complete before adjusting the signature properties.
Configure Signature Field Locking Settings in Acrobat DC
Adjust the properties of each digital signature field so it only locks specific completed fields rather than the entire document.
By default, applying a digital signature locks the entire PDF to prevent tampering. You can change this behavior by binding specific fields to specific signature blocks.
Launch your PDF form in Adobe Acrobat DC, navigate to the Tools menu, and select 'Prepare Form'.
Right-click the first Digital Signature field that needs to be signed and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Navigate to the 'Signed' tab in the Properties dialog box and check the box that says 'Mark as read-only'.
Choose 'Just these fields' from the dropdown menu, click the 'Pick' button, and select only the fields associated with the first signer. Click OK.
Repeat this process for all subsequent signature fields, ensuring each signature only locks its respective section. Save the form.
Use an Adobe Sign Workflow for Sequential Signing
Utilize the Adobe e-sign service to assign specific fields to different signers in a predefined sequence, bypassing manual field locking entirely.
Sign PDFs Multiple Times Easily with WPS PDF
If you are looking for a simpler way to manage multiple signatures without dealing with complex certificate locking issues, WPS Office offers an intuitive PDF tool. It allows sequential electronic signing while keeping the document flexible and accessible.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document using the WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Access the Sign Tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon and select 'Sign'.
- 3. Create Your Signature: Click 'Create Signature' to type, draw, or upload an image of your signature.
- 4. Place and Save: Drag the signature to the appropriate field, save the document, and pass it to the next signer. The document remains unlocked for them to add their own signatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF lock after the first digital signature?
By default, many PDF programs apply a global lock to the document after a certificate-based digital signature is placed. This is a security measure to prevent tampering and preserve the integrity of the signed data.
Can I unlock a PDF after it has been signed?
If the document was locked by a cryptographic digital signature, you cannot unlock it without invalidating the signature. The original author must adjust the signature field properties to prevent locking before the document is distributed.
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
An electronic signature is a digital representation of a handwritten signature (like typing your name or inserting an image). A digital signature uses a cryptographic certificate to verify identity and typically locks document data to prevent unauthorized changes.
How do I assign fields to specific users in a PDF?
In Acrobat DC, you can use the 'Request e-signatures' tool to assign specific form fields to specific email addresses. During the signing process, each participant will only be able to interact with the fields explicitly assigned to them.
