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gamzes93533812
Known Participant
April 13, 2018
Answered

Restrict editing but allow to fill in

  • April 13, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 5325 views

Hi,

I created a pdf form (via Acrobat pro) and I want to publish it now for it to be filled by users.

But while creating the form, I used form fields (e.g., text fields, button fields) not only as the "real" fields to be filled but also for visual purposes. As a very simplified example, I have a question which is supposed to be answered by a freetext. So, I have two text fields: one for the question, and one for the answer. But, normally it's more complex, I dynamically hide/show or populate various fields according to users reactions.

And as a side note, of course, at the end I do not harvest the "question" field to write it to my DB.

My concern is like this: I do not want users to edit my pdf form even they are using Acrobat Pro, but I do want to keep the possibility for them to put input to "answers" naturally.

What is the best way to achieve this?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer try67

You can apply a security policy to the file (via File - Properties - Security) that allows form fields to be filled in but not otherwise edited.

Keep in mind this is a far from 100% secure protection, though. There are many ways around it, if someone is willing enough.

1 reply

try67
Community Expert
try67Community ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
April 13, 2018

You can apply a security policy to the file (via File - Properties - Security) that allows form fields to be filled in but not otherwise edited.

Keep in mind this is a far from 100% secure protection, though. There are many ways around it, if someone is willing enough.

gamzes93533812
Known Participant
April 16, 2018

Thank you for your reply. Could you recommend some resources that I can read for full security?

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 16, 2018

There's is no such thing as "full security". You need to learn to accept it.