How do I create a pdf form that is protected from changes

[BSK713]

I want to build a PDF ‘contract’ type form where no minor changes can be made that aren’t noticed, other than the fillable form fields. I know how to build a form in LibreOffice and save it as an ODT (saving as docx loses the form fields), and then export it to PDF. The problem is, though, the text can be changed in the body of the PDF.

I want to be able to send the PDF to a user, where they are only able to fill in the fields added to the form (Name, Address, email, etc.) I don’t want them to be able to change the wording elsewhere in the document, because they could change a piece of the agreement that goes unnoticed, and then the agreement would be different than intended.

[Peik]

Have some knowledge about PDF-forms - i don’t think feature you are requesting is implemented in Libre, but I think it’s a interesting idea. Loved to see your form in OTD - But isn’t it possible to protect your OTD - Most forms made in PDF from Adobe or any PDF-formcreator is changeable in LibreDraw, and savable in a ordinary PDF. PDF-forms has a PDF and data file FDF implemented. New formats PDF not supported in Libre -only fully in Adobe.

[mariosv]

Have you tested with security options in pdf export?

[Peik]

I’ve read me up on forms in LO, it’s several videos on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnSouxF6u5M), so I was wrong and I even tried it and it works. When you save your form to PDF, choose File/Export, you get 3 options to save as XHTML, XML or PDF and several options to save/protect form. As former told this is a traditional PDFform, but I’m kind of impressed. You can also get back only the FDF, so changing text in the form wont help much, secondly you always should approve the filled form you get back, so it’s not legal before your verification.
It’s also told that pushbuttons or checkfields dont work properly in LO, but in LO 4.4.4.3 this works. I think it’s a little more tricky to create PDF forms in LO than a PDF-formcreator but it’s maybe what I’m used to and not so tricky?
Soon timestamping/verification/sertification/signing is complete in LO, if it’s not already, I’ve read it’s not yet, so security will be more complete.
(Don’t do as a formcreator did in Adobe, security was set not to be fillable or printable - didn’t work as intended! - so test your form). (Adobe Pro takes approximately 3.1G,Foxit Phantom PDF 600MB, LO is only 600 MB - so someone has done some coding, so I’m impressed).