How to Fix Second Signature Field Locked in PDF
Question details
The user needs to sign multiple digital signature fields in a PDF, but applying the first signature automatically locks the document and makes the remaining signature fields unavailable.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / PDF Form Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is attempting to add a second signature to a combined PDF form that requires multiple digital signatures.
- Observed behavior
- Signing the first digital signature field successfully applies the signature but locks the entire PDF, preventing the second field from being signed.
Verify that you have edit permissions for the PDF form. If the form was created by someone else, you may need to ask the original creator to adjust the signature field properties before anyone signs it.
Change Signature Field Properties to Prevent Locking
Modify the properties of the first signature field so it does not mark the document as read-only after being signed.
This issue typically happens because the creator of the PDF form set the first digital signature field to lock the entire document to prevent post-signing tampering. To allow multiple signatures on the same form, you must disable this locking feature before the first signature is applied.
Open the PDF document in your PDF editor (such as Adobe Acrobat) and select the 'Prepare Form' tool from the right-hand pane or the tools menu.
Right-click the first digital signature field that you intend to sign and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Navigate to the 'Signed' tab in the Properties window. Look for the setting that dictates what happens to the document after this specific field is signed.
Uncheck the option that says 'Mark as read-only' or change the action so it does not lock the other signature fields. Click 'Close' and save the PDF before signing.
Easily Manage and Sign PDFs with WPS Office
Avoid frustrating form locking issues by using WPS Office. Its powerful PDF editor allows you to effortlessly insert multiple signatures, edit form fields, and manage document security without unexpected restrictions.
- 1. Open the PDF File: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document.
- 2. Access the Signature Tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'PDF Signature' tool located on the top ribbon.
- 3. Create and Insert Signatures: Create your signature and place it into the designated fields. You can insert as many signatures as needed without locking issues.
- 4. Save the Document: Once all parties have securely signed, save your final document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF lock after I add a digital signature?
Digital signatures are often designed to seal a document to ensure its integrity and prevent tampering. If the person who created the form enabled the 'lock document after signing' option in the signature field's properties, no further edits or additional signatures can be added.
Can I unlock a PDF after it has already been signed?
Once a PDF is securely signed and locked, it generally cannot be unlocked without invalidating the existing signature. You will need to clear the current signature, adjust the field locking properties, and then re-sign the document.
How do I clear a signature to change the field properties?
If you are the person who originally applied the signature, you can usually right-click the signature field and select 'Clear Signature'. Once the signature is cleared, you can enter the form editing mode to modify the field properties before signing it again.
