Most of the time, this happens because the PDF doesn’t have fillable form fields or has security settings that prevent editing. Other common reasons include a damaged PDF, using a format like PDF/A that isn’t supported, or having an old version of Adobe Reader. In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.
Troubleshooting Prerequisites
Check if the problem happens on just one file or across multiple files. Try creating a new document and use the Fill and Sign feature on it.If you’re using Adobe Reader (free version), remember that it doesn’t work with files that have metadata attached.If you opened your PDF directly from an email, it will be read-only. Download the file first, then try using Adobe Fill and Sign.For a form, the Fill and Sign tool works differently depending on how the form is structured. If the document has active fields, the sign option might only work after you fill in all the required fields (such as clicking a ‘Check Form’ button).If you can’t delete a signature from a document, simply right-click (or long-press on mobile) on the signature and then click the Minus sign.If you’re trying to use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), make sure you have your USB dongle plugged in.
1. Restart Your Device and Router
Adobe Fill and Sign may stop working if your device is experiencing errors, or if the app is having trouble communicating with its servers. Restarting your device and your router (for the online version) can often resolve this.
2. Sign Out and Back In to Adobe Fill and Sign
You might not be able to use Fill and Sign if your profile isn’t being properly authorized by Adobe. To fix this, sign out of the app and then sign back in with your Adobe credentials. This allows the app to refresh your profile data from Adobe’s servers.
3. Update Your Device’s OS and the Adobe App
If either your operating system or your Adobe app (like Adobe Acrobat) is outdated, Fill and Sign may not work due to compatibility issues. To fix this, update both your operating system and your Adobe app to the latest version.
3.1. On Pc
3.2. On Mac
4. Use ‘Print to PDF’
If the document has structural issues (like active form fields), the Fill and Sign tool may not work. To fix this, use ‘Print to PDF’ to create a new, flattened copy of the document so you can fill or sign it.
4.1. On Windows
4.2. On a Mac
If Print to PDF doesn’t work, try converting the file to Word, then print it as a PDF again.
4.3. Export to Postscript
5. Edit Adobe Product Preferences
Sometimes, certain preferences in the Adobe app can interfere with Fill and Sign. Here’s how to change the relevant settings.
5.1. Disable Modern User Interface
5.2. Disable Protected Mode at Startup
5.3. Change Application Language
5.4. Change Signing Warning Preferences
5.5. Check Document Security Settings
5.6. Use the Certificates Tool
5.7. Reset Preferences
6. Disable or Uninstall Conflicting Applications
Other apps, like your antivirus or firewall, may interfere with Adobe Fill and Sign. Temporarily disabling or removing these apps can identify if they’re causing the issue.
6.1. Disable Security Software
6.2. Uninstall Security Software
7. Clear Adobe App Cache
The Adobe app’s cache holds important settings for features like Fill and Sign. If these files become corrupted, the feature may stop working. Clearing the cache can help.
7.1. On Windows
7.2. On a Mac
8. Use Adobe Document Cloud
If the problem seems related to your local setup, using Adobe Document Cloud online can sometimes let you use Fill and Sign, though with some limitations.
8.1. Use Fill and Sign Online
8.2. Manage Your Online Signatures
9. Reinstall the Adobe App
If key parts of the Adobe app are corrupted, Fill and Sign may not work until you reinstall the program.
9.1. Uninstall in Windows Settings
9.2. Uninstall Using the Official AcroCleaner Tool
9.3. Install the 32-bit Version of Adobe
If nothing works, try resetting or reinstalling your device’s operating system. If the problem remains, contact Adobe Support for help—they may need to remove and re-add your profile for you. Meanwhile, you might want to try a different Fill and Sign app as an alternative.
