This document has been signed and cannot be edited

[chrisw53748869]

Due to security vulnerabilities we've upgraded from Acrobat Standard Pro XI to Acrobat DC.  Users are now unable to edit signed PDFs and they were able to previously.  When they select edit pdf they get the error "this document has been signed and cannot be edited"  If a PDF needs to be signed by one user then saved, then signed by another user and edited, what is the proper procedure?

[try67 · Accepted solution]

That is the correct response. You should not be able to edit a signed

document. That's one of the main points behind using a digital signature:

To ensure that the file hasn't been modified after it was signed.

[chrisw53748869]

Thanks, try67.  What would be the procedure for a document that requires two signatures?

[try67]

Signing a signed document is not a problem, as you're not actually editing

its contents by doing so. Add two signature fields to the file and you will

be able to do it.

[dawnt87679688]

I have the same question, as we are not the authors of the document, is there a way to add multiple signatures without changing the format of the form?

[try67]

Only if the author of the file enabled it by adding multiple digital signature fields.

[szz95260269]

People need to edit signed offers during negotiations. That's the bargaining process and every signed and edited version is a new counteroffer. There has to be a way to circumvent this issue with Adobe because all it does is slow down my business.

[try67]

No, that goes against the entire point of signing a document. You would not allow someone to edit a document you signed, would you? A digital signature can ensure that doesn't happen (or at least, inform you if it did). Signing should be the very last step in the editing process. If your document is a work in progress then don't sign it, or create a new version for each iteration.

[szz95260269]

That is actually incorrect. As an attorney who negotiates deals on a near daily basis I can ensure you that contracts go through multiple changes until both parties sign the exact same terms. When you require the signatures of two parties and the terms are edited before the second party signs... that constitutes a counteroffer. If you send me a contract with your signature to buy your house for $10, and I change it to $5, sign, and send it back to you, that's a counteroffer and is how things are usually negotiated. Basically Adobe doesn't let me change it to $5. Anyone know how to circumvent that? Or can the document author choose not to send a restricted version? Thanks in advance.

[try67]

OK... At any rate, your workflow doesn't coincide with how digital signatures work. You need to find another way of doing it.

[krisfuehr]

I agree that there are counteroffers requiring signatures with their initials.  The initials and dates on the edited terms will indicate which terms are most current and all parties can review all edits in one doc.

The statement "your workflow doesn't coincide with how digital signatures work" is missing the fact that there are many of us whose workflows are not addressed by Adobe and if someone else can do this, then they will earn our business. 

[Joel_Geraci]

The kind of workflow you describe is incredibly simple to set up in Acrobat but it does require a bit of forethought. First, you need to create fields for any areas or data that is subject to negotiation. In the above example, the price of the house. Then you need to add as many signature fields as may be required for all parties in the negotiation to sign and/or initial. Then you need to set the properties on the signature fields to be sure that they are not locking out the fields from being edited when the document is signed.

This method also creates an audit trail. You can actually see the state of the document and field data at each point in the signing process.

[szz95260269]

That helps. Thanks.

[Vykintusikas]

Dear Gentlemen,

Please be more creative. Open signed pdf and export to PNG or TIFF and save. Saved picture open again with Adobe and edit it as an image and save as PDF. Your welcome

Regards

Creative Director Vykintusikas

[Bernd Alheit]

This removes the digital signature.

[default7zwtb35kc0wi]

This is an old thread, but we've run into similar issues. I found by trial and error that if print the signed document to a new pdf file, the signiture remains but all fields are editable again. Not sure if this is by design or is an end run around intended security of signed documents.