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Understanding Adobe Acrobat message "document was updated after signing" in e-signed documents

adobe, signature,

Written by Joe Tomkins
Updated over a week ago

When reviewing documents e-signed in Finmo via OneSpan in Adobe Acrobat you may notice a message stating that the document was “Signed and all signatures are valid. Document was updated after signing.” This is a normal part of how Acrobat validates signatures and doesn’t mean your document has been altered improperly. Additionally, users may encounter password prompts or editing restrictions when attempting to modify or combine e-signed documents. These restrictions are standard security measures to maintain the integrity of the signed document.


Why does Acrobat show this message?

When a PDF has multiple signers, fields like text boxes or checkboxes may be completed between signatures. For example:

  1. Signer 1 signs the document.

  2. Before Signer 2 signs, a field is filled in (e.g., a text field).

  3. Acrobat then notes that the document looks different compared to when Signer 1 signed it.

This alert simply lets you know that updates happened after one of the signatures, not that the document was tampered with.


How Finmo ensures your documents are secure

Finmo uses OneSpan’s Modification Detection and Prevention (MDP) technology to protect the integrity of every e-signed document:

  • Each signer can only complete or modify the fields assigned to them.

  • If someone tries to change a field that isn’t theirs, the system blocks it.

  • This guarantees that no signer can alter another signer’s information.

Finmo ensures your documents are:

  • Legally binding – every signature remains valid.

  • Tamper-proof – unauthorized changes are not possible.

  • Secure – the signing process is protected at every step.

Password Prompts and Editing Restrictions

Why Password Prompts Occur

Password prompts or restrictions when editing or combining e-signed documents are typically related to the PDF viewer being used, such as Adobe Acrobat. These restrictions are standard across e-signing platforms and are designed to maintain the integrity of signed documents. Attempting to modify a signed document may invalidate the signature, which is why such actions are restricted.

Restrictions on Editing or Combining Signed Documents

Once a document has been signed, it cannot be edited or combined without potentially invalidating the signature. This is a security measure to ensure that the document remains authentic and unaltered after signing. Finmo does not provide workarounds for editing or combining signed documents, as this would compromise the document's integrity.

Recommendations for Resolving Common Issues

If you encounter password prompts or restrictions:

  1. Use an Alternate PDF Viewer: Some PDF viewers may handle signed documents differently. If Adobe Acrobat prompts for a password, try opening the document in another viewer to see if the issue persists.

  2. Avoid Modifying Signed Documents: To maintain the validity of the e-signature, refrain from attempting to edit or combine signed documents. By understanding these restrictions and following the recommendations, you can effectively handle e-signed documents in Finmo while preserving their integrity.


Should you have any questions please click on the chat bubble or send an email to support@finmo.ca.


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