Date fields can still be edited after marking "Read Only" manually or by signature

Report · Dec 20, 2023

Hello everyone! First time posting here. I am currently in the process of developing forms for my organization, and I am running into an issue with date fields in the Adobe forms. Here is the issue:

I have a form with a signature that is set to mark all the fields as read only once signed. This works as intended. However if I tab or click into a date field after the form is signed, and hit the down arrow on my keyboard, I can still access the calendar drop down, that lets me select a new date, and update the field even though it is set to read only. Furthermore this procedure seems to "unlock" all the other date fields that are set to read only and allows the date to be changed. I have googled the issue quite extensively and was not able to find a solution online. This is an obvious security issue with signed forms, and an issue affecting people relying on screen readers who navigate by tabbing and using the down arrow to access dropdowns.

Is this a know bug in acrobat forms? Is there a way to fix this particular issue or alternatively is there a way to disable the date picker calendar all together from date fields?

Thanks

Report · Dec 22, 2023

When date field is read-only the date picker will not popup in Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat.

Report · Dec 22, 2023

Thanks Bernd for your response. I know that is the intended result but as described in my original post I am still able to access the date picker by clicking in or tabbing to the date field that is set to read only by pressing the down arrow key. If I select a date it changes the date in the read only field. Tested both manually and with fields locked by signature

Report · Dec 22, 2023

What app does you use?

Report · Dec 22, 2023

Acrobat Pro 2023 (Most up to date version). I am designing the forms on a Mac (InDesign to Acrobat Pro workflow), and the issue is also present for my colleagues who use Acrobat Reader (not pro) on Windows.

Report · Dec 22, 2023

I was able to reproduce the issue, but in doing so it invalidates the signature (as it should), so while I would still consider it a bug, it's not a critical one. You should report it to Adobe, here:

https://www.adobe.com/products/wishform.html

This is not really related to the signature, though. The same can be done with a regular Date text field that is set to read-only. It seems the calendar widget does not "respect" the read-only property and shows up no matter what, if you press the Down arrow.

Report · Jan 02, 2024

Thank you! I have submitted a bug report as you mentioned. Appreciate the help!