How to Show Sender-Completed Fields to Signers in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to fill out specific fields in a PDF workflow before sending it, ensuring the recipient can view the entered information without being able to edit it.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Preparing and sending a PDF form for a client to sign via an e-signature workflow.
- Observed behavior
- Fields assigned to the sender appear completely blank to the signer, while fields assigned to the signer allow the client to alter the information entered by the sender.
Ensure you have full authoring rights to the PDF document and access to the form field properties before routing it for signature.
Use the Prefill Role or Read-Only Settings in Acrobat
Adjusting the field role to Prefill or marking it as Read-Only ensures your input is visible to the signer without granting them editing permissions.
In Adobe Acrobat Sign workflows, fields assigned specifically to the 'Sender' might be hidden or processed differently for the recipient. To fix this, you should either prefill the fields or lock them before sending.
Open your document in Adobe Acrobat, navigate to the Tools menu, and select 'Prepare Form'.
Double-click the specific form field you want to fill out to open its Properties dialog box.
Under the General tab, fill in the default value with your information and check the 'Read Only' box so the signer cannot change it.
If you are setting up a web form or template in Acrobat Sign, assign the field role to 'Prefill' instead of 'Sender'. This prompts you to enter the data before the agreement is sent to the recipient.
Flatten the PDF Before Sending
Flattening converts interactive form fields into standard text, permanently embedding your entered data into the document so it cannot be altered.
Fill and Lock PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a seamless and intuitive way to fill out PDF forms, add your signatures, and secure documents so recipients can view your entries without altering them.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF form.
- 2. Fill the fields: Click on the required form fields and enter the information you want the recipient to see.
- 3. Flatten the document: Navigate to the 'Protect' or 'Edit' tab and select the option to flatten the file or export it as a picture PDF.
- 4. Send securely: Save the document and send it to your recipient for their final signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my sender fields appear blank to the signer in Adobe Sign?
This happens due to the assigned participant role. Fields assigned exclusively to 'Sender' may be hidden from the 'Signer' view to prevent confusion. To make them visible, the fields should be marked as 'Prefill' or set to 'Read Only' after filling.
Can I lock specific form fields after filling them out?
Yes. You can open the field properties in Prepare Form mode and check the 'Read Only' box. This ensures the text is visible but locked against edits by anyone else who opens the document.
What does the 'Prefill' role mean in e-signature workflows?
Prefill allows the sender to populate specific fields with customized data before the document is officially routed to the signers. The prefilled data remains visible but uneditable to the recipients.
