Why Send for Signature is Missing in Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020
Question details
The user is unable to locate the Send for Signature feature within Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 Classic.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a PDF document to multiple recipients for electronic signature using Adobe Acrobat.
- Observed behavior
- The Send for Signature option is completely missing from the Tools menu, whereas local tools like Fill & Sign and Prepare Form remain visible and usable.
Verify your exact Adobe Acrobat version (e.g., Acrobat 2020 Perpetual vs. Acrobat Pro DC Subscription) by navigating to Help > About Adobe Acrobat in the top menu bar.
Upgrade to an Adobe Acrobat DC Subscription
Because Acrobat 2020 is a perpetual-license desktop product, it permanently lacks access to Adobe's cloud-based e-signature services. Upgrading to a subscription plan will unlock this feature.
The 'Send for Signature' feature (formerly Adobe Sign) relies entirely on Adobe Document Cloud services. Acrobat Pro 2020 Classic is a one-time purchase that operates locally, meaning it does not connect to these premium cloud tools by design.
Go to the official Adobe website and navigate to the Acrobat plans and pricing section.
Choose a subscription tier that explicitly includes Adobe Acrobat Sign features, such as Acrobat Standard DC or Acrobat Pro DC.
Log in with your Adobe ID, complete the transaction, and download the new subscription-based version of Adobe Acrobat to replace your 2020 Classic version.
Open your PDF in the newly installed Acrobat DC and select 'Request e-signatures' or 'Send for Signature' from the Tools menu to route your document.
Use Local Fill & Sign and Share via Email
If you do not want to purchase a cloud subscription, you can use local tools to sign documents and manually email them.
Use WPS PDF to Sign and Share Documents for Free
If your current PDF software limits your ability to add signatures and share files smoothly without paying for a pricey cloud upgrade, WPS Office provides a powerful, free alternative. You can seamlessly insert electronic signatures and share files instantly without facing perpetual license restrictions.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document using the built-in WPS PDF reader.
- 2. Access the Signature Tool: Navigate to the 'Insert' or 'Fill & Sign' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Sign' to create or import your electronic signature.
- 3. Apply Signature: Click anywhere on the document to place your signature perfectly, then save the updated PDF.
- 4. Share the Document: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner to generate a collaborative link or directly email the signed document to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 have any built-in signature capabilities?
Yes, Acrobat 2020 includes the local 'Fill & Sign' tool, which allows you to manually type, draw, or insert an image of your own signature onto a document. However, it does not include the automated, cloud-routing 'Send for Signature' service.
Can I purchase Adobe Sign as a standalone add-on for Acrobat 2020?
No. Adobe Acrobat Sign is a cloud-based service that integrates exclusively with subscription versions of Acrobat (like Acrobat Pro DC) or is sold as a standalone web platform. It cannot be retroactively patched into the Acrobat 2020 desktop application.
What is the main difference between Acrobat 2020 and Acrobat Pro DC?
Acrobat 2020 is a one-time perpetual purchase that only provides offline desktop tools. Acrobat Pro DC is a subscription model that receives continuous feature updates and connects directly to Adobe Document Cloud for premium services like electronic signature routing.
How can I easily share a signed PDF without upgrading my software?
You can sign the document using the offline 'Fill & Sign' tool, save a local copy, and attach it to a standard email. Alternatively, you can switch to comprehensive, free PDF software like WPS Office to sign and share files easily.
