How to Stop Comments After Adobe Document Cloud Review Deadline
Question details
Users are still able to add comments to a PDF file after the established Adobe Document Cloud review deadline has passed.
- Product
- Adobe Document Cloud
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user shares a PDF for review with an intended deadline, expecting the commenting features to automatically lock once the deadline is reached.
- Observed behavior
- Recipients and guests can continue to add comments after the deadline, and automatic reminders fail to send.
Verify the sharing method used for the PDF review, as public links do not support formal deadlines or reminders in Adobe Document Cloud.
Use the Designated Online PDF Review Workflow via Email
Ensure the review is sent via direct email invitations rather than a public link to properly enforce the deadline.
When starting an online PDF review, Adobe Document Cloud cannot enforce a strict deadline or send automatic reminders if you create a public link. To utilize deadline features, the document must be shared using the designated email invitation workflow.
Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat and select the 'Share' or 'Send for Review' tool from the right-hand pane.
Choose the option to send direct email invitations to specific recipients instead of generating a public link.
Click on the review settings (often a gear icon) to configure a specific deadline and enable reminders before sending the invitations.
Manually Unshare or Lock the Document
If the deadline has passed on an active public link, you can manually stop further commenting by revoking access.
Restrict PDF Commenting and Editing Permanently with WPS Office
Instead of relying on cloud review deadlines that can be easily bypassed by public links, you can permanently secure your document by applying a permission password in WPS PDF. This ensures no unauthorized comments or edits can be made after your review period ends.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to secure.
- 2. Access the Protect Tab: Navigate to the 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Encrypt'.
- 3. Enable Editing Restrictions: Check the box next to 'Set password to restrict editing and printing'.
- 4. Set the Password: Enter a secure permission password and ensure the 'Commenting' permission is disabled or restricted.
- 5. Save the Document: Click 'Confirm' and save the document. Users will no longer be able to add comments without entering the permission password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are users commenting on my Adobe PDF as guests?
If the document was shared via a public link rather than direct email invitations, anyone with the link can access the file. They are often prompted to enter a temporary name to comment as a guest.
Can I set an automatic deadline on a public Document Cloud link?
No, Adobe Document Cloud does not support setting automated deadlines or reminders for PDF reviews shared via public links. You must use the managed email invitation workflow to utilize these features.
How do I stop comments on a PDF after sharing it via a link?
You can manually unshare the file or change the access permissions in your Document Cloud settings to prevent further modifications. Alternatively, you can secure the document offline using a permission password.
