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PDF forms and signatures

Distinguish AcroForm fields, XFA forms, and digital signatures when inspecting a PDF workflow.

Continue with PDF Form Field Inspector, PDF Page Geometry Inspector · Reference

Not every blank is a field

AcroForm fields are structured interactive fields such as text boxes, checkboxes, radio groups, and dropdowns. A printed blank or a scanned form has no AcroForm field until a PDF editor adds one.

XFA forms use a different XML-based technology and are not the same as AcroForms. A tool that lists AcroForm fields can legitimately return none for an XFA document.

Signatures need separate verification

  • A digital signature covers specific document bytes and can become invalid after edits.
  • Field required/read-only flags describe form behavior, not signature validity.
  • Use a dedicated PDF viewer or validation service for certificate trust and signature status.

References

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