Error 'You cannot edit this file as a form due to its security settings' Using Acrobat Pro 9.5

[erics99752761]

I have created a word document and then saved it as a .pdf as I want to add form fields.  When I open the pdf using Adobe Acrobat Pro 9.5 and start the Forms Wizard I get the error message; You cannot edit this file as a form due to its security settings.  I have opened properties and there are no scurity settings.

Can someone please help as I have spent hours trying to resolve it.

[Title Edited by Moderator]

[Test Screen Name]

What is shown for “security method”?

Is the document PDF/A?

Is it signed?

[Amal. · Accepted solution]

Hi there,

We are sorry for the trouble. As described above you are getting the error ' You cannot edit this file as a form due to its security settings' and using Acrobat pro 9.5

++ Adding to discussion

Acrobat pro 9 is an old and end of support application. The updates, security patches are no longer available. Adobe strongly recommends that customers update to the latest versions of Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat. By updating installations to the latest versions, customers benefit from the latest functional enhancements and improved security measures.

For more information please use the help article here (https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/end-support-acrobat-8-reader.html)

You may try the suggestion in a similar discussion here (https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat/quot-prepare-form-quot-restricted-due-to-security-settings-ev...) and see if that helps.

Note: The suggestion in the above discussion may or may not work.

Regards

Amal

[erics99752761]

The security method shows that the document has no security.  And yes it is a PDF/A.

However, I have managed to do a work around.  If I select the Forms Wizard and then choose the word file it works perfectly.

Thanks for your help anyway.

[Test Screen Name]

Ok, PDF/A is the problem. It is designed as a final format, and so editing is blocked. Every edit has the potential to destroy PDF/A status, so you are being protected. I suggest you NOT make PDF/A if you want to do this. If you must finish with PDF/A, convert only after editing.

[erics99752761]

Are you saying I should be using PDF/X or PDF/E?  Basically anything except PDF/A

[Test Screen Name]

No, PDF/X and PDF/E are also final formats, though this is not enforced so strictly (letting you get deeper into trouble!). You should use ordinary, normal, PDF.

[erics99752761]

Okay Great; Thanks for your time.