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Participant
March 27, 2020
Question

How to prevent a .pdf with filled fields from being saved by end users

  • March 27, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 942 views

For many years I have created interactive/fillable forms using LiveCycle Designer. Due to a recent computer upgrade beyond my control I no longer have access to this software. I have attempted to create a series of simple fillable forms using Acrobat DC which has limited capability by comparison. In the past, by default, these forms could be opened,  filled and printed in Reader but not saved with the entered information unless they were created with Reader extended rights.  Reader DC no longer seems to restrict saving and after many hours of searching I can't find a way to prevent end users from saving the entered information on personal devices which is required by law in this case. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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2 replies

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 27, 2020

As mentioned, you can't prevent saving of the file. However, you can add a command that will reset the values of the form fields before the file is saved. There are ways around that, though. Also, I think it's a bad idea, but you might have your own reasons for it I'm not aware of.

ccooneyAuthor
Participant
March 27, 2020

What an unfortunate change they have made. The Adobe help files still indicate that NOT saving filled form data is a default. While you may not think it is good idea, it is a method we have employed for many years to protect personal health information as required by federal law. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

Bernd Alheit
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 27, 2020

Was this the help files of Livecycle Designer?

Bernd Alheit
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 27, 2020

You can't prevent the save of filled forms

ccooneyAuthor
Participant
March 27, 2020

Thank you