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Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Sebastian_20283

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------

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Baba_Majekodunmi_703

Hi Sebastian,

This is a very interesting use case you have here, the first I've come across. Would like to learn more about it.

Depending on what you're trying to accomplish here you might need an application that natively assigns signatures to PDF using Adobe Sign. I recommend you take a look at Nintex as one option (https://www.nintex.com/blog/introducing-nintex-sign-powered-by-adobe-sign/).

On the Monarch side of things, can you provide a little more context on this process, what are the inputs, and how the PDF is structured?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

Sebastian_20283

Hi Sebastian,

This is a very interesting use case you have here, the first I've come across. Would like to learn more about it.

Depending on what you're trying to accomplish here you might need an application that natively assigns signatures to PDF using Adobe Sign. I recommend you take a look at Nintex as one option (https://www.nintex.com/blog/introducing-nintex-sign-powered-by-adobe-sign/).

On the Monarch side of things, can you provide a little more context on this process, what are the inputs, and how the PDF is structured?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

Hello Baba,

as you can see on Adobes How to page, there is no need to use a third party tool.
The newer versions of Adobe Reader DC nattily support to insert text and signatures into PDFs. Of course there are no certificates involved, so that is a pretty light wight solution. But is servers our purpose.

The idea is to have a table where staff can add comments and sign the pdf electronically, to have some kind of endurance who approved the report.
It does not have to be bulletproof, but I want to avoid having staff to print and re-scan the document.

When I do open the PDF, that Automator creates and go to Properties, than it shows me on the Description Tab
PDF Version: 1.3 (Acrobat 4.x)

Printing this PDF with MS software printer "Microsoft to PDF" and checking the properties, it shows me
PDF Version 1.7 (Acrobat 8.x)

So I wonder if the PDF engine of Automator is just to old to support that Sign&Fill feature.

I doubt it has something to do wot the structure of the PDF. But nevertheless I added a screenshot of the report, as it might help to understand my issue
In the brown are would be the records, staff would make comments in the "Pay or return" column.

Thanks for your support,
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:14 PM
From: Baba Majekodunmi
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi Sebastian,

This is a very interesting use case you have here, the first I've come across. Would like to learn more about it.

Depending on what you're trying to accomplish here you might need an application that natively assigns signatures to PDF using Adobe Sign. I recommend you take a look at Nintex as one option (https://www.nintex.com/blog/introducing-nintex-sign-powered-by-adobe-sign/).

On the Monarch side of things, can you provide a little more context on this process, what are the inputs, and how the PDF is structured?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

sample.PNG

Baba_Majekodunmi_703

Hello Baba,

as you can see on Adobes How to page, there is no need to use a third party tool.
The newer versions of Adobe Reader DC nattily support to insert text and signatures into PDFs. Of course there are no certificates involved, so that is a pretty light wight solution. But is servers our purpose.

The idea is to have a table where staff can add comments and sign the pdf electronically, to have some kind of endurance who approved the report.
It does not have to be bulletproof, but I want to avoid having staff to print and re-scan the document.

When I do open the PDF, that Automator creates and go to Properties, than it shows me on the Description Tab
PDF Version: 1.3 (Acrobat 4.x)

Printing this PDF with MS software printer "Microsoft to PDF" and checking the properties, it shows me
PDF Version 1.7 (Acrobat 8.x)

So I wonder if the PDF engine of Automator is just to old to support that Sign&Fill feature.

I doubt it has something to do wot the structure of the PDF. But nevertheless I added a screenshot of the report, as it might help to understand my issue
In the brown are would be the records, staff would make comments in the "Pay or return" column.

Thanks for your support,
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:14 PM
From: Baba Majekodunmi
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi Sebastian,

This is a very interesting use case you have here, the first I've come across. Would like to learn more about it.

Depending on what you're trying to accomplish here you might need an application that natively assigns signatures to PDF using Adobe Sign. I recommend you take a look at Nintex as one option (https://www.nintex.com/blog/introducing-nintex-sign-powered-by-adobe-sign/).

On the Monarch side of things, can you provide a little more context on this process, what are the inputs, and how the PDF is structured?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

Hi Sebastian,

Hmm good point, I'm learning a fair amount here. Yeah it's possible that PDF engine might be too old to support it. @Mahmoud Abdolrahim @Steve Caiels, what do you gentlemen think?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:33 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hello Baba,

as you can see on Adobes How to page, there is no need to use a third party tool.
The newer versions of Adobe Reader DC nattily support to insert text and signatures into PDFs. Of course there are no certificates involved, so that is a pretty light wight solution. But is servers our purpose.

The idea is to have a table where staff can add comments and sign the pdf electronically, to have some kind of endurance who approved the report.
It does not have to be bulletproof, but I want to avoid having staff to print and re-scan the document.

When I do open the PDF, that Automator creates and go to Properties, than it shows me on the Description Tab
PDF Version: 1.3 (Acrobat 4.x)

Printing this PDF with MS software printer "Microsoft to PDF" and checking the properties, it shows me
PDF Version 1.7 (Acrobat 8.x)

So I wonder if the PDF engine of Automator is just to old to support that Sign&Fill feature.

I doubt it has something to do wot the structure of the PDF. But nevertheless I added a screenshot of the report, as it might help to understand my issue
In the brown are would be the records, staff would make comments in the "Pay or return" column.

Thanks for your support,
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:14 PM
From: Baba Majekodunmi
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi Sebastian,

This is a very interesting use case you have here, the first I've come across. Would like to learn more about it.

Depending on what you're trying to accomplish here you might need an application that natively assigns signatures to PDF using Adobe Sign. I recommend you take a look at Nintex as one option (https://www.nintex.com/blog/introducing-nintex-sign-powered-by-adobe-sign/).

On the Monarch side of things, can you provide a little more context on this process, what are the inputs, and how the PDF is structured?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

Mo Abdolrahim

Hi Sebastian,

Hmm good point, I'm learning a fair amount here. Yeah it's possible that PDF engine might be too old to support it. @Mahmoud Abdolrahim @Steve Caiels, what do you gentlemen think?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:33 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hello Baba,

as you can see on Adobes How to page, there is no need to use a third party tool.
The newer versions of Adobe Reader DC nattily support to insert text and signatures into PDFs. Of course there are no certificates involved, so that is a pretty light wight solution. But is servers our purpose.

The idea is to have a table where staff can add comments and sign the pdf electronically, to have some kind of endurance who approved the report.
It does not have to be bulletproof, but I want to avoid having staff to print and re-scan the document.

When I do open the PDF, that Automator creates and go to Properties, than it shows me on the Description Tab
PDF Version: 1.3 (Acrobat 4.x)

Printing this PDF with MS software printer "Microsoft to PDF" and checking the properties, it shows me
PDF Version 1.7 (Acrobat 8.x)

So I wonder if the PDF engine of Automator is just to old to support that Sign&Fill feature.

I doubt it has something to do wot the structure of the PDF. But nevertheless I added a screenshot of the report, as it might help to understand my issue
In the brown are would be the records, staff would make comments in the "Pay or return" column.

Thanks for your support,
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:14 PM
From: Baba Majekodunmi
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi Sebastian,

This is a very interesting use case you have here, the first I've come across. Would like to learn more about it.

Depending on what you're trying to accomplish here you might need an application that natively assigns signatures to PDF using Adobe Sign. I recommend you take a look at Nintex as one option (https://www.nintex.com/blog/introducing-nintex-sign-powered-by-adobe-sign/).

On the Monarch side of things, can you provide a little more context on this process, what are the inputs, and how the PDF is structured?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

I used Monarch v15.4, exported a table to PDF. I was able to add sticky note, and highlight a row or multiple rows. I could not add an initial or a signature (or any option on the signature toolbar).
I tried it with legacy PDF engine enabled and without it. The result was the same. Just could not add a signature. The exported PDF was v1.3.
You can export a table to an Excel file. Open it, and save it as PDF, then you should be able to add a signature.

Mo

------------------------------
Mahmoud Abdolrahim
Senior Implementation & Integration Engineer
Datawatch Corporation
MA
(978) 935-3840
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:50 PM
From: Baba Majekodunmi
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi Sebastian,

Hmm good point, I'm learning a fair amount here. Yeah it's possible that PDF engine might be too old to support it. @Mahmoud Abdolrahim @Steve Caiels, what do you gentlemen think?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:33 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hello Baba,

as you can see on Adobes How to page, there is no need to use a third party tool.
The newer versions of Adobe Reader DC nattily support to insert text and signatures into PDFs. Of course there are no certificates involved, so that is a pretty light wight solution. But is servers our purpose.

The idea is to have a table where staff can add comments and sign the pdf electronically, to have some kind of endurance who approved the report.
It does not have to be bulletproof, but I want to avoid having staff to print and re-scan the document.

When I do open the PDF, that Automator creates and go to Properties, than it shows me on the Description Tab
PDF Version: 1.3 (Acrobat 4.x)

Printing this PDF with MS software printer "Microsoft to PDF" and checking the properties, it shows me
PDF Version 1.7 (Acrobat 8.x)

So I wonder if the PDF engine of Automator is just to old to support that Sign&Fill feature.

I doubt it has something to do wot the structure of the PDF. But nevertheless I added a screenshot of the report, as it might help to understand my issue
In the brown are would be the records, staff would make comments in the "Pay or return" column.

Thanks for your support,
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 02:14 PM
From: Baba Majekodunmi
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi Sebastian,

This is a very interesting use case you have here, the first I've come across. Would like to learn more about it.

Depending on what you're trying to accomplish here you might need an application that natively assigns signatures to PDF using Adobe Sign. I recommend you take a look at Nintex as one option (https://www.nintex.com/blog/introducing-nintex-sign-powered-by-adobe-sign/).

On the Monarch side of things, can you provide a little more context on this process, what are the inputs, and how the PDF is structured?

------------------------------
Baba Majekodunmi
Solutions Consultant
Altair Engineering Inc.
Manassas VA
978-275-9325

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

CPorthouse

This looks like a known issue with the Adobe desktop product:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-reader/fill-sign-the-operation-failed-because-adobe-acrobat-encountered-an-unknown-error/td-p/9189189
One of the product members was able to create a PDF file from Automator and then use Foxit Reader and worked just fine.

------------------------------
Chris Porthouse
Senior Implementation & Integration Engineer
Altair
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

Sebastian_20283

This looks like a known issue with the Adobe desktop product:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-reader/fill-sign-the-operation-failed-because-adobe-acrobat-encountered-an-unknown-error/td-p/9189189
One of the product members was able to create a PDF file from Automator and then use Foxit Reader and worked just fine.

------------------------------
Chris Porthouse
Senior Implementation & Integration Engineer
Altair
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"

Hello Mahmoud,
hello Chris,

thanks for the reply.
Exporting Excels and than print to PDF for me does not feel like the ultimate solution, as I want to automate processes as much as possible. I mean, that is the whole purpose of Automator, isn't it?
As a workaround I can even re-print the "not workin" PDF with Microsoft to PDF printer. That fixes the issue as well.

I tried the Foxit Reader, at is seems like that reader really does not have that issue with the PDFs created by Automator.
So I am going to talk to my IT manager if we are going to provided that reader to the staff that has to edit/sign PDFs

But what makes me wonder is, that I only do have the issue with PDFs created by Automator, and I do use Fill&Sign quite a bit. So I do stick assumption, that even if it is a know bug by Adobe, it is connected to the way Automator creates PDFs.

But for what I hear from your responses, it seems not so easy to change the way. how Automator creates the PDFs.

So, most likely I will stick with either Foxit or with a workaround, like re-print every PDF that I create via Automator.

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2019 09:51 AM
From: Chris Porthouse
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

This looks like a known issue with the Adobe desktop product:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-reader/fill-sign-the-operation-failed-because-adobe-acrobat-encountered-an-unknown-error/td-p/9189189
One of the product members was able to create a PDF file from Automator and then use Foxit Reader and worked just fine.

------------------------------
Chris Porthouse
Senior Implementation & Integration Engineer
Altair
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2019 01:17 PM
From: Sebastian Hause
Subject: Fill&Sign won't work on exported PDFs

Hi there,

I recently tried to use the Fill&sign feature of Adobe Reader DC on a PDF created with Automator (15.3)
I can add comments to the PDF, I can highlight areas, but adding a signature or insert text won't work.
I do get the error The operation failed because Adobe Acrobat encountered an unknown arror.
My guess is, that the PDF version is to old (PDF version 1.3), as printing the PDF again with e.g. Microsoft to PDF, the newly created PDF (pdf version 1.7) fully supports the Fill&Sign feature.

So I wonder, is there a way to enable Automator to export PDFs in a newer version? Or is there an other way to export PDFs so they are editable?

Thanks a lot
Sebastian

------------------------------
Sebastian Hause
IT Representative
------------------------------
"