How to Lock a PDF After Two Digital Signatures in Any Order
Question details
Configure a PDF form so that two designated signature fields can be completed in any order, while all other form fields become read-only once the signatures are applied.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a secure PDF form that requires two independent signers without forcing a specific signing order.
- Observed behavior
- The document must lock standard form fields to prevent editing after signing, but must leave the second signature field active regardless of who signs first.
Ensure your PDF form contains at least two digital signature fields and that the document does not have existing security restrictions preventing form editing.
Configure Signature Field Properties to Exclude Each Other
By setting up each signature field to lock all form fields except the remaining signature fields, you allow the document to be signed in any order.
This configuration uses the built-in form properties of advanced PDF editors. It instructs the software to freeze standard text and selection fields while explicitly keeping the other signature fields active.
Navigate to 'Tools' and select 'Prepare Form' to enter the editing mode for your PDF document.
Right-click the first digital signature field on the document and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Go to the 'Signed' tab inside the Properties window and check the box that says 'Mark as read-only'.
Select 'All fields except these fields' from the dropdown menu. A list of form fields will appear; check the box next to the second signature field to exclude it from the lockdown.
Close the first properties window. Right-click the second signature field, go to Properties > Signed, select 'Mark as read-only' > 'All fields except these fields', and this time, select the first signature field to exclude it.
Secure Your PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office provides robust PDF editing and form management tools. Whether you need to secure a document, add digital signatures, or restrict editing permissions, WPS Office handles it seamlessly.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your interactive PDF document.
- 2. Navigate to Form Tools: Click on the 'Form' tab in the top ribbon to access the interactive field settings.
- 3. Manage Signatures: Add digital signature fields and adjust their locking properties via the field settings panel.
- 4. Save and Distribute: Save your configured PDF and send it to your signers securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I select 'All fields' instead of excluding the second signature field?
If you select 'All fields', the first signature applied will lock the entire document. The second signer will not be able to interact with their signature field.
Can I apply this locking method to more than two signature fields?
Yes, you can apply this to multiple signature fields. Ensure that each signature's 'Signed' properties exclude all other pending signature fields from the read-only list.
Do the signers need special software to sign the document?
Signers simply need a standard PDF reader that supports digital signatures, such as WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat, to view and sign the configured document.
Will the text fields still be editable before any signatures are applied?
Yes, standard form fields remain fully editable until a signature is actually applied, which then triggers the read-only action for the designated fields.
