How to Use New Acrobat DC Features: Blank Forms, Fill & Sign, and Protect PDF
Question details
The user wants to understand how to access and utilize the specific features introduced in the October 2019 Acrobat DC release, such as creating blank forms, adding text, customizing signatures, and streamlining PDF protection.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Accessing newly updated tools to create PDF forms from scratch, fill and sign documents, and set password protections.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for the correct navigation paths and menus to utilize the blank page form creation, Add Text tool, updated Fill & Sign, and Protect Using Password workflow.
Ensure your Adobe Acrobat DC software is updated to the October 2019 release or later, as these specific form creation and signature customization tools are not available in older versions.
Use the Prepare Form and Add Text Tools
This solution explains how to create a brand-new form from a blank page and add text directly to your PDF form.
In older versions of Acrobat, creating a form from scratch was complex. The updated release simplifies this by providing a dedicated blank page option within the Prepare Form tool.
Open Adobe Acrobat DC, navigate to the top menu, and select 'Tools'. From the tools menu, click on 'Prepare Form'.
In the Prepare Form interface, select the 'Create New' option instead of choosing an existing file or scanning a document, then click 'Start'.
Once your blank form is open, click the 'Add Text' tool located in the top toolbar to place text directly anywhere on your form layout.
Streamline Signing and Document Protection
Learn how to use the updated Fill & Sign experience to customize your digital signature and apply password protection.
Create Forms, Sign, and Protect PDFs Easily with WPS Office
If you need a straightforward, feature-rich PDF editor without navigating complex software updates, WPS PDF is an excellent alternative. It offers powerful form filling, text insertion, customizable signatures, and robust document encryption in an intuitive interface.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document. To create a blank document, simply open a new Word file, design your layout, and export it to PDF.
- 2. Add Text and Edit Content: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab at the top. Click 'Edit Text' or 'Add Text' to seamlessly type anywhere on your document.
- 3. Fill and Sign the Document: Go to the 'Fill & Sign' tab. You can create a new signature, adjust its color and size, and stamp it anywhere on the page.
- 4. Apply Password Protection: Click on the 'Protect' tab, select 'Encrypt', and set a secure password to restrict unauthorized users from opening or editing your PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't I see the 'Create New' form option in Acrobat?
If you only see the options to 'Open file' or 'Scan' under the Prepare Form tool, you might be using an older version of Acrobat or you are using the free Acrobat Reader, which lacks form creation capabilities. Ensure you have an active Adobe Acrobat Pro DC subscription updated to the October 2019 release or newer.
Can I change the ink color of my digital signature in a PDF?
Yes. In the updated Acrobat DC Fill & Sign interface, you can click on your placed signature to bring up a floating toolbar, which includes a color palette icon allowing you to change the signature's color. WPS PDF offers similar signature customization capabilities.
How do I add text to a PDF without making it a fillable form?
You can use the 'Add Text' tool located in the main toolbar (or under the Edit PDF tool suite) to simply place static text anywhere on a document page without creating interactive form fields.
Is it possible to prevent someone from editing my PDF?
Yes. You can restrict editing by going to File > Protect Using Password. From there, select the option to restrict editing (rather than just viewing) and enter a secure password. Any user trying to make changes will be prompted for this password.
