How to Create a PDF Form Completed and Signed by Two People
Question details
The user needs to create a PDF form containing specific fields and signature lines intended to be filled out and signed sequentially by two different participants.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / General PDF Software
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a multi-participant PDF document where fields must be allocated to different individuals for independent completion and signature.
- Observed behavior
- Using standard Fill & Sign tools only allows the current user to complete fields within the same session, preventing the assignment of distinct fields to a second signer.
Before assigning signature fields, verify the email addresses of both participants and clearly determine the chronological order in which the document must be signed.
Use the Request Signatures or Prepare Form Workflow
This method utilizes dedicated e-signature workflows to correctly assign specific form fields and sequence the signing process across multiple participants.
To ensure that both parties can fill out their respective sections without locking the document prematurely, you must assign individual form fields to specific recipients rather than using the basic self-signing tool.
Open the PDF document and fill in any information or fields that belong to you before sending the document out for signatures.
Access the 'Request e-signatures' or 'Prepare Form' tool from the tools menu. Enter the email addresses of the recipients who need to sign the document.
If the individuals must sign in sequence, ensure the 'Complete in Order' option is toggled on, and arrange the email addresses in the correct chronological sequence.
Drag and drop the necessary text boxes, dates, and signature fields onto the document. Right-click each field and assign it to the specific recipient (e.g., Signer 1 or Signer 2).
Click 'Send'. The system will automatically route the PDF to the first person, and upon their completion, forward it to the second person in the queue.
Easily Manage PDF Signatures and Forms with WPS Office
WPS Office provides robust PDF editing capabilities, allowing you to insert signature fields, fill out forms, and manage multi-party document signing effortlessly and securely.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your document using the built-in PDF editor.
- 2. Access the Fill & Sign tools: Navigate to the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab on the top ribbon to access signature tools.
- 3. Create and place signatures: Click 'Sign', create your signature, place it in the designated area, and save the file to share with the next participant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two people sign a PDF at the exact same time?
No, PDF digital signatures must be applied sequentially. The document tracks its state after each signature to ensure document integrity before passing it to the next user.
Why are the form fields grayed out for the second signer?
If fields are not properly assigned using a sequential signature workflow, the first signature will lock the entire document to prevent tampering. Assigning specific fields to specific users prevents this issue.
Does the second signer need premium software to sign the PDF?
Typically, no. While the person creating the form might need a premium editor, the recipients can usually fill out and sign their assigned fields using a free PDF reader like WPS Office or a standard web browser.
Can I edit the PDF text after both people have signed it?
Once the final signature is applied, the document is permanently locked to prevent unauthorized alterations. Any subsequent edits to the content will invalidate the applied digital signatures.
