Reader extended pdf with "more tools" enabled becomes a "Read-only" file

[ODuinn]

I verified that my fillable pdf is saved as a Reader Extended pdf using the "enable more tools" option. I also verified in finder after saving the Reader Extended pdf the file is not "read-only." I opened the pdf in Acrobat Pro on my Mac and then, using the "Share" feature, sent the form to my alternate email address. Next, on my iPad I opened the pdf in Acrobat Reader DC. However, when I attempt to "Fill & Sign" I receive a "Read-only document" message that says "This tool is not available because the document is read-only." If I then save a copy of the pdf from my iPad to my computer, when I check the document properties it is now set as read-only, which happened without my interaction and defeats one of the primary purposes of Acrobat's "Share" feature. How can I stop the read-only property from being affixed to Shared pdf files?

[kglad]

<moved from using the community >

[try67 · Accepted solution]

Don't apply those rights. They are not needed any longer (unless a very old version of Reader is used), and as you saw they can actually prevent you from using the file under some circumstances.

[ODuinn]

Thank you G. Who knew! 

[Tania28859907wjhc]

So to make save my "fillable" PDF forms I no longer need to use the following steps??

• "Save as Other > Reader Extended PDF > Enable More Tools (includes form fill & save)"

If that's the case.....why are these menu items still in there????

[try67]

If the user uses Reader DC, then no, you don't need it.

The menu item is still there for legacy purposes, just in case there are still people with an older version of Reader, and then it is needed to allow them to save the filled-in file.

[Tania28859907wjhc]

But the function doesn't appear to work. I get an error message if I try to go through the old way of enabling a form.

___________________________________

[cid:8f43da4e-a3d3-4006-90a2-d823822b21ca]
Tania Turvey
Communications and Promotions Officer
Phone: 6298 4333
Email: tania.turvey@det.nsw.edu.au
https://karabar-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.facebook.com/karabarhsdec/
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[Test Screen Name]

What error message? Should we guess? Actually I will guess that you are trying to use this function in any older version of Acrobat. Ir will work only in Acrobat DC, with the very latest updates.

[Tania28859907wjhc]

I'm using Adobe Acrobat DC (Version 2022.002.20191).

The error message I get when I try to convert a file to a fillable PDF has the heading "Enable Usage Rights in Adobe Acrobat Reader" and then a big red cross saying "This document could not be Reader Enabled".

[cid:5e5f4028-0655-4dff-8fee-df1330a34801]

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[try67]

The image did not come through. If you want to attach it you must do so in the forum directly, not via email.

[Tania28859907wjhc]

I don’t think the image was necessary anyway - I included the text/details of the image/error.