Open Add form fields for.
Last updated on
Aug 31, 2026
Alert
This article contains prerelease information. Release dates, features, and other information are subject to change without notice.
Assign existing PDF form fields when imported fields don't already have a recipient assignment.
When a pre-authored PDF contains form fields, Adobe Acrobat Sign imports them into modern authoring. Existing valid assignments are preserved. If any imported fields still require assignment, Acrobat Sign asks you how to assign those fields before you continue authoring.
Before you begin
Define the agreement recipients before entering authoring. You can't add recipients from the Assign form fields to a recipient dialog.
The dialog applies only to imported fields that still need an assignment. It doesn't change fields that already have a valid assignment.
Choose how to assign the imported fields
The Assign form fields to a recipient dialog appears when imported PDF fields still require assignment.
It shows how many fields need an assignment and provides two ways to continue:
- Assign all currently unassigned fields to one recipient or supported assignment target.
- Continue into authoring and redistribute the fields yourself.
Choose the approach based on who needs to complete the imported fields.
Assign all unassigned fields to one target
Use this option when the imported fields that need assignment can all be assigned to the same recipient or assignment target.
Select the intended recipient or supported assignment target.
Select Confirm.
Acrobat Sign assigns all currently unassigned imported fields to the selected target. Existing valid field assignments aren't changed.
The available list can include recipients already defined for the agreement and supported targets such as Prefill, Anyone, or Everyone, depending on the fields in the document.
After assignment, Acrobat Sign confirms the number of fields assigned and the selected recipient. Select Review to open the Fields panel.
Distribute imported fields among recipients
The assignment dialog can't divide the unassigned fields among multiple recipients.
When different imported fields belong to different recipients:
Select I'll do it on my own.
Allow the document to finish loading in authoring.
Select and reassign the imported fields to the appropriate recipients.
To continue authoring, Acrobat Sign initially assigns the unassigned fields to the first recipient. You can then redistribute them individually or in groups.
See Review and manage form fields for selecting and reassigning multiple fields.
Review and edit imported fields
Imported PDF fields retain their existing field names and field types.
After the assignment step, they behave like other placed form fields. You can select an imported field to:
- Reassign it.
- Edit its supported properties in Customize field.
- Delete it if it isn't needed.
See Add and configure form fields for general field configuration.
Things to know
- The assignment dialog can appear when you first enter authoring or when you return to a partially authored draft that still contains imported fields requiring assignment.
- I'll do it on my own doesn't leave imported fields unassigned. Acrobat Sign initially assigns them to the first recipient so you can redistribute them in authoring.
- New recipients must be defined before entering the assignment workflow.
