When saving to PDF, all of a sudden it is creating secured PDFs

[rustycape1]

I've always been able to save Word Documents to PDF by using SAVE AS. Now it creates PDFs that have Security that doesn't allow any changes like creating a form.

[Eric Dumas · Accepted solution]

Hi,

• Can you confirm the settings you use in MS Word? maybe includ a screenshot?
• Can you confirm the exact versions of your operating system and software
• When you select Save As, and click on more options
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• s
• Click on the Options button, there is an Automatic Password option at th eend of the list. Make sure it is deselected
• 

[rustycape1]

Thank you. I followed your instructions and it led me to the culprit. The PDF/A Compliant box was checked. I unclicked it and I was able to create a form. Now to determine how to post the form and when signed have it emailed to three recipients.

• I am using Microsoft 365 - Paid subscription
• Settings
• Operating System Edition Windows 11 Pro
  Version 22H2
  Installed on ‎12/‎14/‎2022
  OS build 22621.2283
  Serial number
  Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22662.1000.0
• 365 Version:

About

Version : 18.2306.1061.0

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Thank you again!

[Eric Dumas]

Sadly SharePoint approval workflows will not work on a pdf to be signed. It is Either / Or scenario:

• Either you use an Adobe/Acrobat signature in the pdf - Some good news you can use the Adobe Sign We Parts Adobe Sign for SharePoint Online - User Guide
• Or you use the approval built-in (creating custom ones is easy enough) within SharePoint.
• One mixed appraoch can be: 
  1.  create a pdf, 
  2. use Adobe to request and track signature
  3. the signed document is sent to an email address like approval@site.com used only for that purpose
  4. a workflow (some are ready to use in Microsoft Automate) waits for an email to arrive, the attachement is automatically saved in a library (it can have a simple alert setup to let you know a new file has arrived)