Adobe E-Sign - Javascript to hide/show fields not working when sending out e-sign

[brandon_9880]

Hello!

I am having an issue with sending out an adobe form through e-sign with javascript prompts to hide/show fields based on certain check-boxes being checked. In the form itself everything works fine, you check one of the boxes and certain fields are made visible while others are hidden, to make it as easy as possible for someone to fill out and not mess up.

However, when sending this through Adobe Sign, none of that works as intended. All the hidden fields are visible, and the checkboxes do not work as intended.

Is this just something that cannot happen, or am I doing something wrong?

[Tariq Ahmad Dar]

Hi @brandon_9880,

Thank you for reaching out. 

• Acrobat e-sign converts the PDF into a web-based signing experience, which does not support PDF JavaScript.

• When a document is sent for signature through e-sign, it is uploaded, parsed, and re-rendered as a static web form, so all JavaScript logic is lost.

• Only basic field properties (like required, read-only, and default values) survive.

You can try:

1. Avoid JavaScript if sending via Acrobat Sign

• Instead, use conditional visibility via Acrobat Sign’s built-in rules (via the Adobe Sign Authoring tool, available on the web interface).

• You can pre-define visibility conditions using field templates or logic-based visibility rules in Adobe Sign.

2. Send via Regular Email (Not e-signature workflow)

• If you need the full JavaScript behavior, share the PDF directly via email or cloud, and let users open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader (desktop).

• In this case, the JavaScript will work as expected.

3. Use Adobe Acrobat JavaScript only for static forms

• Keep dynamic functionality for internal workflows where the file doesn’t go through Acrobat Sign.

Let us know if you have further questions.

~Tariq