How to save a document so that the Forms can no longer be editable.

[grege76139524]

I've been racking my brain for days trying to figure this one out.

I have a document that I have created for a colleague of mine that doesn't have Acrobat Pro. The goal was to create a template where the document was then turned into a form that can be edited by my colleague. I've done this without a problem, the issue I am having is that when saved, the forms are still blue and the capability to edited it is still there. We would like that the document return to normal making the text that was entered in a form appear as though it was not in a form.

Thanks

[George_Johnson]

There are a number of ways to do this, each with certain advantages and disadvantages.

1. Use JavaScript to set the fields to read-only. Advantage is it's simple and works with Reader, disadvantages includes it can't be considered secure and can be easily reversed (which might also be an advantage.) The field data may not be visible in certain PDF viewers that don't have sufficient support for forms, as is common on mobile devices.

2. Use the built-in Sign & Save feature. Advantage is it flattens the fields, removing the fields from the document but leaving the field appearances. This is not reversible and the form data isn't available so that it can be easily extracted.

3. Flatten the fields using Acrobat. This is similar to #2, but does't work with Reader and you have the option of flattening only certain fields and leaving others untouched. Flattening converts the field appearances to regular page contents, which is a good thing if the document will be used on mobile devices and other PDF viewers that don't deal with forms correctly. This isn't an option with Reader though.

4. Digitally sign the document and choose to lock it. This will effectively make the fields read-only, but in a way that's more secure than #1. The form data will still be present and available for extraction. This works with both Acrobat and Reader.

[grege76139524]

Hi George,

I've chosen to use the 4th method you mentioned.

Thanks for your help.

Greg    

[grege76139524]

Actually, George_Johnson​, do you know if it is possible to get rid of this certification 'error' that appears now that the document is signed and certified. I'm not sure its actually an error, that's just what I am going to call it. See image for reference.

Thanks,

Greg

[try67]

Go to Edit - Preferences - Security - Verification and tick off the first box in the window: "Verify signatures when the document is opened".

[grege76139524]

Will this have to be done client side? Or is it something that when I untick the box it wont appear again ?

Thanks

[try67]

It's a setting on the local computer, not a part of the document.

[grege76139524]

Ah, that's a shame.

Ok, is there a way for me to have the message say something less alarming... Currently the message reads that the Validity of the document is UNKNOWN and that the author could not be verified. How do I go about making this message certified?

Thanks

[try67]

No, you can't change the text of this message.