AdobeSign security blocking countersignature

[Emmanuel37307363582o]

Hello,

Our issue is the following:

The documents get locked once they have been signed by a user from our company.

If we send the signed PDF via email to an external 3rd party for them to sign on their Adobe, they cannot sign them as it says that the documents are protected.

No actions have been undertaken on our side to create such protection.

So I get the person at our company to sign and I send the signed PDF to the client to sign with their Adobe - that's when things get stuck.

The problem is that it works for us, but it doesn't work for the external...

In general, the pdf is protected so they can't sign...

This happens for templates or a simple document.

When it's a signature workflow, there's no problem.

It's not supposed to lock because I always keep the lock open (see screenshot).

Thank you for your help.

[Emmanuel37307363582o]

So we will check this to solve the Adobe countersignature issue:

1. Remove security protection:

• PDFs can have security settings that restrict editing, including adding additional signatures: Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro and go to File > Properties > Security tab.

• Check if the document security restricts additional signatures. If "Changes Settings" is set to "Password Security" or does not allow adding forms, fields, or signatures, this needs to be changed. Otherwise, uncheck the PDF security box, save the document, and then add your signature. See: How to sign password-protected PDFs

2. First workaround: Print to PDF: Print the signed PDF to a new file using the "Save as PDF" printer option in your web browser. This will create an unlocked version

3. Second workaround: Save as a New Document: Save the signed PDF document as a new file with a different name before sending it to external parties. This may help in removing any restrictions or locks associated with the original document.

Similar issue: How to unlock a signed PDF (drawn signature)

Resource: Fill and sign forms online

Any other advice is appreciated.

[Amal.]

Hi there

Hope you are doing well and thanks for reaching out.

This is the design behavior, once the PDF file is signed and the signature process is complete the document gets locked for further editing. Adding more signatures is also not allowed.

Please go through the steps shared in the help page (https://adobe.ly/4bW6RTx) to get the document signed by others.

~Amal