Lock a certain field in fillable PDF, the rest of the fields unlocked/fillable

[blueknight07]

Hi Adobe experts,

I have forms in PDF file format that I have to send out through email. Before I send a form out, I need to indicate a control number so that I can monitor movement of the forms. Control number is with format YYYY-MM-XXX (YYYY and MM being the year and month when the form is issued, and XXX is a sequential number from 001 to 999).

I have already made the control number field a text field/fillable field, but I need the field to be not editable when I send it out. What options do I have so I can lock that certain field after assigning a control number, without using Acrobat everytime to assign a control number before I send out the PDF file? Is there a way to password protect that specific field?

Using Adobe Reader XI,  I can add a text using the Signature feature, but this text can be removed in the file.

I am currently checking JavaScript so that the document can automatically assign a control number with that format. My problem for this is that once the document opens to the recipient, the control number may change. Would love to know your insights regarding this.

Thanks,

Kenneth

[try67]

You can set the field as read-only in Acrobat before sending out the file.

[blueknight07]

Hi try67,

Thank you for your reply. Aside from setting it in Acrobat, would you know if there are any options?

Thanks,

Kenneth

[try67]

Not sure what you mean... What kind of options?

[blueknight07]

Hi try67,

Options re: making the field not editable. Yes, I can use Adobe Acrobat for that, but I am checking if there are ways without using Acrobat every time I need to send out a form.

I stumbled upon a possible solution using a different search term in Adobe Forums: https://forums.adobe.com/message/3313929#3313929. Will revert once tried.

Thanks,

Kenneth

[SerenityLovely]

Hi Kenneth,

Did you ever find a solution for this? I am working on something similar and am really getting annoyed with having to open Acrobat to lock the field before I can send it out. Any tips or insight you can provide is much appreciated!

Thank you,

Sarina

[Brenda22538148i4ve]

Hi Sarina and Kenneth,

I have this same need for my pdf.  Did you happen to find a resolution?

Thanks!

Brenda

[megan441]

did anyone figure this out yet? locking after signature is obviously not a secure or good idea.