Why is my Ipad Adobe Reader kept saying that my doc is read only version

[jasondash]

hello everyone,

I use my Ipad to read and edit documents. Recently, I updated the software to the latest version IOS version.

The problem is that ever time I use the reader, the app will prompt me by saying that the document was a “read only“ version and requires me to create a local copy. What’s worse is that after creating a local copy, the same problem arises after awhile

All these problems doesn’t exist before the update and I am Sure that the documents are not “read only version”. Appreciate any help here!

[S. S]

Hi @Jon30369643ua2j,

Hope you are doing well. 

Have you tried using the Acrobat Sign app for iOS?

It allows you to fill and sign forms along with digital certificates.

-Souvik

[mrmigraine]

Hello, My wife  (a paralegal) was having the same problem with court forms. text fields and check boxes work on computer but do not work on iOS.
FIX: take the original pdf, open in Mac Preview, Export as pdf with default settings. the new file retains its "form" qualities, and is editable. the Bonus is it also strips away all the security settings. Enjoy.

[Sherry35509060nukr]

They seem to have gotten rid of EXPORT to PDF ... obviously quick to block us from stripping out bogus security but not so quick to provide a solution to the BUGS.  So frustrating, hours wasted just trying to edit a file on my iPad that's editable on the MAC (but traveling and don't have that with me).

[S. S]

Hi @Sherry35509060nukr,

From the looks of it, it seems you are trying to use a Governent form or an XFA-architecture dynamic form. 

Would you mind sharing a sample file with us to test in house and get to a faster fix? 

Look forward to hearing from you.

-Souvik

[Sherry35561520g1a1]

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719S.pdf

[S. S]

Thanks @Sherry35561520g1a1 for sharing the file.  

I have forwarded this to the dev team for further investigation.

-Souvik

[jenniferjuang]

6 years later, I am experiencing the same problem in May 2024... I cannot share the PDF for you to unlock because it contains sensitive information. When will Adobe fix this?

[S. S]

Hi @jenniferjuang,

As mentioned earlier, XFA forms are not supported with Reader Mobile. Such files have a considerable metadata which cannot be processed with the mobile version of Acrobat.

For such files, the desktop version is preferred for a better viewing experience.

-Souvik