How to Enable Self-Hosted PDF Reviews Instead of Adobe Document Cloud
Question details
The user needs to use the self-hosted 'Send for Comments' review workflow for a PDF instead of the automatically triggered Adobe Document Cloud workflow.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A PDF document requiring stakeholder approval with stamps or digital signatures is stored on SharePoint, WebDAV, OneDrive, or a network folder.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat automatically opens the Adobe Document Cloud review workflow, and the self-hosted 'Send for Comments' option is completely missing or unavailable.
Ensure you have full read and write permissions for the shared network folder, SharePoint document library, or WebDAV server where the PDF is currently hosted.
Verify Server Storage Compatibility and Access Permissions
Ensure the hosting environment is fully supported by Acrobat for legacy shared reviews and that your user account has the correct permissions.
Self-hosted PDF reviews require specific server protocols to function correctly. If Acrobat detects an unsupported environment or insufficient permissions, it will default to Adobe Document Cloud.
Confirm that the PDF is hosted on a supported WebDAV server, a compatible SharePoint workspace, or a standard UNC network folder.
Navigate to the file location in your file explorer or browser and attempt to create and delete a test text file to confirm you have full write privileges.
Launch Adobe Acrobat, open the PDF directly from the supported network location, and check if the 'Send for Comments' tool reappears in the Review menu.
Adjust Acrobat Preferences and Consult IT for Enterprise Policies
Modify application settings or check with your IT administrator regarding deployment policies that might force the use of Document Cloud.
Seamlessly Collaborate on PDFs with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat's forced cloud workflows are restricting your local document approval processes, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with robust PDF reading, editing, and local annotation capabilities.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open your PDF locally: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document directly from your local drive or shared network folder.
- 3. Annotate and Sign: Use the Comment and Protect tabs to add stamps, signatures, and annotations securely without forced cloud syncing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Send for Comments option missing in Acrobat?
The option is often hidden if the PDF is stored in an unsupported location, if you lack write permissions, or if enterprise IT policies and Acrobat preferences are configured to force all reviews through Adobe Document Cloud.
Can I host shared PDF reviews on a standard network folder?
Yes, standard UNC network folders are supported for self-hosted shared reviews. However, all reviewers must have read and write access to that specific folder for the review to function properly.
How do I add digital signatures to a PDF stored on SharePoint?
As long as the SharePoint library is properly configured (often requiring WebDAV support) and you bypass the Document Cloud workflow, you can use standard PDF security tools to apply digital signatures directly to the document.
