Skip to main content
Participating Frequently
July 15, 2024
Answered

When using a PDF form made with indesign, the user added signature goes underneath field box

  • July 15, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 1256 views

I've been making multiple forms with indesign at work.

When users fill the form and then add their graphic signature, or sign by freehand, their signature goes underneath the field box instead of over it... 

As anyone encounterd this problem before, should I change something when making my form in indesign?

I've attached a sample of my form below.

Thanks!

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Thom Parker

Here is an example made with Word that allows people to write over, or add a graphic signature, and the info stays on top...


Or, make the background of the field in the indesign form transparent. 

There is literally no difference in where the signature image is placed, relative to the field, on both forms. The difference is that you've added a background color to field in the InDesign form.  Since the background of the field in the Word form is transparent, it only looks as if it is above the field, but it's not. 

 

  

3 replies

Participating Frequently
July 17, 2024

I ended up making the field transparent, and adding a line underneath. This way if people want to write their names, it works, and if someone wants to add a graphic signature, it also works.

 

Thanks to everyone who tried to help!

Thom Parker
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 16, 2024

Remove the field.

 

Thom Parker - Software Developer at PDFScriptingUse the Acrobat JavaScript Reference early and often
try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 15, 2024

You need to instruct them to sign the form by filling in the text field, not in any other way, such as using Fill & Sign.

Participating Frequently
July 15, 2024

I wish it were that easy!

These forms are used by the citizens of the City for which I work for.

Which means people of all ages, with a various level of tech-savvyness, people who don't understand electronic signatures (which I wanted to use originally!), people that fill forms on an iphone and sign using their fingers, people who print, fill and scan, etc. 

I originally had instructions telling people how to fill it, but people don't read instructions, and they dont necessarily use the right tools because they dont know better.

I need my form to work for everyone and it's driving me crazy...

 

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 15, 2024

Sorry, there's no solution for that with a PDF file. Consider using a web-form.