How to Fix a PDF Form That Submits Twice in Acrobat Reader
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where clicking the submit button on a PDF form triggers two identical email submissions instead of one.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking the submit button on a distributed PDF form to send data via email.
- Observed behavior
- The form executes both a JavaScript email action and a standard submit action simultaneously, causing the email to be sent twice.
Ensure you have access to the original PDF file in form-editing mode, as you will need to modify the button's interactive properties.
Inspect Button Properties and Remove Duplicate Actions
Check the submit button's properties to identify redundant commands and delete the extra action to prevent multiple submissions.
When a form is distributed through Acrobat, it often automatically generates a submit action. If you manually add a custom JavaScript or a second submit command to the same button, the software will process both actions upon clicking, resulting in a double submission.
Open the problematic PDF form in Adobe Acrobat and select the 'Prepare Form' tool from the right-hand pane to make fields interactive.
Right-click on the Submit button that is causing the duplicate emails and choose 'Properties' from the context menu.
In the Button Properties dialog box, click on the 'Actions' tab to view all the behaviors assigned to this button.
Look at the 'Actions' list. You will likely see two actions listed (e.g., 'Submit a form' and 'Run a JavaScript'). Decide which submission method you prefer to keep.
Select the redundant action from the list and click the 'Delete' button below it. Close the dialog and save your PDF document.
Edit PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office
Avoid complicated action conflicts by managing your PDF forms directly in WPS Office. WPS PDF provides a straightforward interface for adding and configuring form fields, ensuring your submit buttons work perfectly without redundant triggers.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document containing the interactive form.
- 2. Access Form Tools: Navigate to the 'Form' tab on the top ribbon to access the interactive field options.
- 3. Select the Submit Button: Double-click the existing submit button to open its properties panel.
- 4. Configure the Action: Under the Actions settings, assign a single, clear submit command without overlapping JavaScript.
- 5. Save and Complete: Save the changes to your PDF file to ensure the button functions correctly with only one trigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF form send two identical emails when submitted?
This usually happens when the submit button is assigned multiple actions. For example, a built-in 'Submit a form' command might be active at the same time as a custom 'Run a JavaScript' email command.
Do I need the Distribute option if I use a JavaScript submit button?
No. If you have already programmed a button with a custom JavaScript action to submit the form or send an email, using the Distribute tool may append a redundant submit action, causing duplicate processing.
How do I view the actions assigned to a button in a PDF?
You need to enter the form editing mode of your PDF editor, right-click the specific button, select Properties, and click on the Actions tab. This will display all triggers and actions assigned to that field.
