How to Fix Errors When Starting a Shared PDF Review
Question details
The user encounters an error when attempting to start a shared PDF review via Acrobat Cloud, despite believing the document has no security restrictions.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / PDF
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Initiating a shared PDF review for collaboration and commenting.
- Observed behavior
- An error message appears preventing the shared review from starting, often caused by hidden document restrictions or account sync issues.
Before troubleshooting, ensure you have a stable internet connection and that you are actively logged into your cloud services account.
Remove PDF Restrictions and Digital Signatures
Check for hidden security restrictions, digital signatures, or certifications that prevent commenting and sharing.
Even if a document does not require a password to open, it may still have internal security restrictions or digital signatures applied. These features automatically lock the document to protect its integrity, which prevents commenting and shared reviews from being initiated.
Go to File > Properties and click the Security tab to ensure 'Commenting' is set to 'Allowed'.
If the document is password-protected or certified, remove these protections under the Security settings or ask the original author for an unlocked copy.
Right-click any existing digital signatures and clear them, as signed documents often lock down further commenting.
Go to File > Save As and save a fresh, unprotected copy of the PDF to your local drive before attempting to start the shared review again.
Resolve Cloud Service and Account Issues
Ensure your application is synced correctly with cloud services and that your account permissions are active.
Share and Review PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid complex cloud syncing errors and easily share PDFs for review using WPS PDF. It offers intuitive commenting tools, robust format compatibility, and straightforward sharing options without restrictive security hurdles.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to review.
- 2. Add Comments and Annotations: Navigate to the Comment tab on the top ribbon to highlight text, add sticky notes, or draw shapes.
- 3. Share the Document: Click the Share button at the top right to generate a sharing link or send the file directly via email.
- 4. Collaborate with Your Team: Allow your teammates to view and reply to your comments directly within the shared file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF say commenting is not allowed?
The document creator may have applied security restrictions to prevent modifications. You can verify this by checking Document Properties under the Security tab. A permissions password is required to enable commenting.
Can a digitally signed PDF be sent for a shared review?
Typically, applying a digital signature or certification locks the document to prevent tampering. You must remove the signature or use a completely unsigned copy to successfully initiate a shared review.
Does WPS PDF support team commenting and annotations?
Yes, WPS PDF includes a comprehensive suite of markup tools, including text highlights, shapes, and sticky notes, making it incredibly easy to review and collaborate on standard PDF documents.
