Can't fill form fields on iPad with Permissions security settings

[SLB_2484]

I can't fill in my form fields on an iPad after setting restrictions in Password Security Settings. 

1. I exported my document from InDesign to an interactive PDF.
2. I opened the file in Adobe Pro DC and added the following restrictions in the Security tab:
   • Selected restrict editing and printing of the document
   • Printing allowed: Low Resolution
   • Changes Allowed: Filling in form fields and signing existing signature fields
3. Added a Change Permissions Password and saved the file

When I test it on a Mac or PC, the form fields are editable and work fine...but NOT the case when opening it with Adobe Acrobat on the iPad. When I click the pencil to fill in a form field, I get an error message saying: “Protected document - This tool is not available because the document is password protected."

I need to protect this interactive PDF and the original content so it is unchangeable. Any suggestions?? 

[Amal. · Accepted solution]

Hi there 

Hope you are doing well. 

This is expected behavior on mobile devices. Editing encrypted PDFs isn’t supported in the Acrobat mobile app, and it's a known limitation at the moment.

Hope this information will help.

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

<"moved from using the community bugs">

[Amal. · Accepted solution]

Hi there 

Hope you are doing well. 

This is expected behavior on mobile devices. Editing encrypted PDFs isn’t supported in the Acrobat mobile app, and it's a known limitation at the moment.

Hope this information will help.

[SLB_2484]

This is unfortunate news as it's a 100+ page document with form fields. I'm surprised that a form cannot be completed using Adobe Reader on an iPad or mobile device with security settings. How can we protect the IP of a document without adding a security password?? That is a HUGE miss on Adobe's part. I hope you all can resolve that soon with all of the digital forms and documents we use these days! 

[Amal. · Accepted solution]

Hi there 

To protect the intellectual property (IP) of a document online, several strategies can be employed. Like Watermarking (https://adobe.ly/3HU2MFu) , and using Digital Rights Management (DRM) to restrict access and use.

You may also share your feedback with the development team here: https://adobe.ly/4jM8WEW for their consideration and future implementation.

[Amal.]

Hi there,

Hope you are doing well and sorry for the trouble. 

As described when you test it on a Mac or PC, the form fields are editable and work fine...but NOT the case when opening it with Adobe Acrobat on the iPad.

Would you mind sharing the version of the Acrobat Mobile app and the OS you are using? To check the version of the app , tap on the profile icon > About Acrobat and try updating the app to the latest version available on App/Play Store and reboot the device once and check.

Let us know how it goes.

[SLB_2484]

I was using Adobe Acrobat Version 20.11.00 on my iPad and the Continuous Release version 2025.001.20476 on my MacBook Air.

I removed and redownloaded Acrobat Reader on the iPad (now Version 25.05.00) and now when I try to fill out a form field, it says "This tool is not available because the document is read only."

[Amal.]

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing the update. We are discussing this internally with our development team. We will share the update as soon as we get more information. 

Thanks for your time and patience