After filling a template pdf form using Aspose, I'm unable to digitally sign it using Adobe Acrobat

Aspose.PDF Product Family
1

Hi, I have this application using Aspose.PDF for .NET 20.7.0 to fill some PDF templates and after succesfully filling them with data from the application, I’ve downloaded the result file and tried to sign it using the digital signature from Adobe Acrobat, when the adobe asks me to save the signed pdf, it gives me a error code of 105:

Error - The document could not be saved. There was a problem reading this document (105).

I’ve found some similar solutions stating about Save As or Saving a copy of the filled pdf, but I have a lot of pdfs to sign it, so this middle step would make it worse.

2

@yves.gregorio

It seems that you are encountering an issue when trying to digitally sign a PDF document filled using Aspose.PDF for .NET. The error code 105 from Adobe Acrobat indicates that there is a problem reading the document, which can often occur due to how the PDF is structured after being modified.

Here are a few suggestions to help you resolve this issue:

  1. Ensure Proper Saving: When you fill the PDF form using Aspose, make sure you are saving the document correctly. Use the Document.Save method to save the filled PDF. This ensures that the document is properly finalized before you attempt to sign it.

  2. Check for Form Field Properties: Sometimes, certain properties of form fields can prevent signing. Ensure that the fields are not set to read-only or have any restrictions that might interfere with the signing process.

  3. Use a Different Save Format: If you are saving the filled PDF in a specific format, try saving it as a different version (e.g., PDF/A) or using the SaveFormat.Pdf option explicitly. This can sometimes resolve compatibility issues with Adobe Acrobat.

  4. Test with a Simple PDF: To isolate the issue, try filling and signing a simpler PDF document. If this works, the problem may lie with the specific structure or content of the original PDF template.

  5. Review Adobe Acrobat Settings: Ensure that your Adobe Acrobat is up to date and check if there are any settings that might be affecting the signing process.

If these suggestions do not resolve the issue, you may want to consider saving a copy of the filled PDF as a workaround, even though you mentioned that it would be cumbersome. This can sometimes help in bypassing issues related to the original document’s structure.

If you continue to experience difficulties, please provide more details about the specific steps you are taking, and I can assist you further.

3

Hello again,
So, I’ve tried:

  • Several Document.Save methods, including the explicit save format one, it only removed the properties of my signature fields, making it unable to digitally sign it;
  • Simple PDF and the 105 one, I’ve managed to make it work on my computer but my client’s pc didn’t;
  • Acrobat is updated
  • Fields properties are good to go;
4

@yves.gregorio
We are looking into it and will be sharing our feedback with you shortly.

6

@yves.gregorio

The issue looks related to specific PDF documents. We need to investigate it in details. If possible, can you please share following:

  • your sample PDF file
  • sample code to fill the form and save it
  • sample output file
  • screenshot of error in Adobe Reader

Please make sure to test the scenario with the latest version of the API before sharing above requested information. We will further proceed to assist you accordingly.