How to Send a Signed PDF to Additional Signers in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to add more recipients to a PDF document that has already been signed by an initial party, but the document prevents further modifications.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to send an already signed and completed PDF to new signers through the same signature workflow.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF document becomes locked against further editing and prevents adding new signature fields or recipients once the initial signing process is completed.
Locate the original, unsigned version of your PDF document, as you will need to initiate a new signature workflow if the current document is already locked.
Set Up All Signers in a New Signature Request
Since a signed PDF is permanently locked to protect the signature's integrity, you must create a new signature request using the original unsigned file and add all signers at the very beginning.
Once a PDF is signed and returned, the signing process is completed and the PDF is cryptographically locked against further editing. You cannot append new signers to this completed file. Instead, Adobe Acrobat requires you to use the 'Request for Signature' feature to configure the entire workflow—including all necessary signers—before the document is sent out.
Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the original, unsigned version of the document.
Navigate to the Tools menu and select 'Request e-signatures' (or 'Send for Signature' in older versions).
In the recipients field, enter the email addresses of all individuals who need to sign the document. Ensure you add them in the exact order you want them to sign.
Toggle the 'Complete in Order' switch to ensure the document routes to the next person only after the previous person has signed.
Click 'Specify Where to Sign', drag and drop the respective signature fields for each assigned recipient, and click 'Send'.
Easily Manage Multiple PDF Signatures in WPS PDF
If you frequently work with contracts and forms, WPS Office provides a comprehensive, lightweight, and user-friendly PDF toolkit. It allows you to easily add, request, and manage electronic signatures without the complexities of heavy software.
- 1. Open your PDF document: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file you need to prepare for signatures.
- 2. Access the Fill & Sign tools: Navigate to the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab located on the top ribbon.
- 3. Create or request signatures: Click on 'PDF Signature' to create your own signature, or use the form tools to prepare signature boxes for other recipients.
- 4. Save and share securely: Save the document and share it with your recipients, ensuring the layout and formatting remain perfectly intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF say it is locked after signing?
When a digital signature is applied, Adobe Acrobat restricts further edits to ensure the document has not been tampered with since it was signed. This is a standard security measure for legally binding documents.
Can I unlock a signed PDF to add more signers?
No, a cryptographically signed and locked PDF cannot be unlocked without invalidating the existing signature. You must start a new workflow with the original unsigned file.
How do I remove a signature from a PDF?
If you are the only signer and you are using the exact digital ID that was used to sign the document, you can right-click the signature and choose 'Clear Signature'. Otherwise, the signature is permanent.
What is sequential signing?
Sequential signing is a workflow setting where the document is routed to recipients one by one in a specified order. The next person in line only receives the document after the previous person has completed their signature.
