PDF Security & Access Issues

How to Send a Fillable PDF for Electronic Signing

Bushra Parveen Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to send an existing fillable PDF for electronic signing while preserving the existing form fields.

How to Send a Fillable PDF for Electronic Signing

Product: PDF Reader and Editor
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Preparing and sending a pre-filled PDF document to others for an electronic signature without losing form data.
Observed behavior: The goal is to maintain the functionality of existing form fields so they do not have to be manually recreated during the signature routing process.

Before you start

Ensure you save a backup copy of your original, unflattened fillable PDF before uploading it to any electronic signature platform to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an E-Signature Platform to Import Existing Form Fields

Upload your document to a dedicated e-signature platform that can automatically recognize and retain existing fillable fields.

Modern electronic signature platforms are often capable of reading existing interactive form fields embedded in a PDF. By correctly importing the document, you can assign these fields to signers without rebuilding the entire form from scratch.

Upload the PDF Document

Log into your preferred e-signature platform (such as Acrobat Sign) and select the option to send or request signatures, then upload your existing fillable PDF.

Verify Field Recognition

Preview the uploaded document to check whether the platform has automatically recognized and imported your existing form fields.

Assign Fields to Signers

Click on the recognized fields to assign them to the appropriate signer. Manually drag and drop any missing fields, such as the final signature box or date fields.

Send for Signature

Enter the recipient's email address and send the document. The recipient will be able to fill out the designated fields and sign.

Use an E-Signature Platform to Import Existing Form Fields

Avoid Flattening the PDF: If the PDF was 'flattened' (saved as an image or non-interactive PDF) prior to uploading, the fields will be converted to standard text and cannot be edited. In this case, you will have to recreate the fields manually.

Efficient PDF Form Management

Fill and Sign PDFs Easily with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF toolkit that allows you to effortlessly fill out forms, add your electronic signature, and share documents without losing formatting.

1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your fillable PDF document.
2. Fill Out the Form: Click directly on the interactive fields to type in your information, select dropdown options, or check boxes.
3. Add Your Electronic Signature: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' tab, create or import your signature, and place it in the designated signature field on the document.
4. Save and Share: Save the finalized document and share it securely with your recipients or request signatures from others.

Create, fill, and save interactive PDF forms seamlessly.Add legal electronic signatures to your PDFs in seconds.Highly compatible with standard PDF formats and interactive forms.Lightweight and free to use across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my PDF form fields disappear when sending for a signature?

If your form fields disappeared, the PDF was likely 'flattened' before uploading. Flattening merges the interactive fields with the document background, turning them into uneditable text. Always use the original, unflattened file when sending for a signature.

Can I edit a PDF after it has been signed?

Generally, no. Once a document is electronically signed, it is usually locked and encrypted to prevent tampering. If changes are needed, you must edit the original unsigned file and request a new signature.

Do I need special software to sign a fillable PDF?

Most modern PDF readers, including WPS Office, have built-in electronic signature features that allow you to sign and save a document yourself. However, for legally binding routed signatures where you need to track recipients' actions, you may need a dedicated e-signature routing service.

PDF Troubleshooting