Description
JavaScripts are an advanced feature in Acrobat that add interactivity to PDF pages and form fields. They are prohibited in some PDF-based ISO standards.
This Preflight message indicates that the PDF file contains JavaScript code. In PDFs, JavaScript can be used to provide interactive functionality, such as:
Form validations: Automatically filling in or checking form fields
Calculations: Dynamic computations in interactive forms
Navigation: Controlling views, bookmarks, or links
Automations: Pop-ups, alerts, or automatically triggered actions when opening the document
While JavaScript enables useful interactivity in PDFs, it can also pose security risks, as it may execute potentially harmful code.
Common Causes
Forms with calculations: PDF forms that perform calculations, auto-fill data, or validate input
Interactive features in Acrobat: PDFs created in Adobe Acrobat that include pop-up messages or custom scripts
Embedded buttons or actions: Buttons with actions such as “Run on Open”
Digital signatures: Some JavaScripts are used to validate signatures
Malicious PDFs: PDFs from untrusted sources may use JavaScript for phishing or malware attacks
Suggested Solutions
Disable JavaScript in Adobe Acrobat Pro: Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro. Go to Tools > Print Production > Preflight. Select a PDF/X or PDF/A profile to check the document. Click Fix if the option to remove JavaScript is available. Save the file.
Manually remove JavaScript: Open the PDF in Acrobat. Go to Tools > JavaScript > Document JavaScripts and delete all existing scripts. Check File > Properties > Actions for additional JavaScript actions and remove them.
Re-export the PDF: If you have access to the original file, disable the use of JavaScript during export. Programs like InDesign or Word often have options to remove interactive content.
Security check: If the document comes from an unknown source, scan it with an antivirus program to ensure no malicious code is embedded.
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