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Error uploading CO ALF SIGN 09 15 23.pdf: DOCUMENTS_EDITOR:UNSUPPORTED_PDF_CONTENT

  • November 13, 2025
  • 7 replies
  • 441 views
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I'm getting this error:

Error uploading CO ALF SIGN 09 15 23.pdf: DOCUMENTS_EDITOR:UNSUPPORTED_PDF_CONTENT

In the past I have used DocuSign and now want to come back but all my “old” pdf’s no longer are allowed to be uploaded and give an error. I have tried flattening the layers but there were not layers to begin with. So basically, like from 2023 ro now these are the same pdf i used in the past? attached is an example/ 

Best answer by Melanie.Panguito

Hi ​@piakisj,

Welcome to the Docusign Community—great to have you here!

We regret the inconvenience caused by the error you encountered while trying to upload your PDF file. Recently, Docusign implemented an important security enhancement, specifically the system now blocks the upload of PDFs that contain optional content groups, commonly referred to as PDF layers. Unfortunately, this security update means that older PDFs or those containing layered content will trigger an error message during upload. To fix this, you need to modify your PDF before uploading:

  • Remove any PDF layers (optional content groups) from the PDF

  • Remove any actions configured to execute when the PDF is opened

I also came across your comment in another discussion 👉 Error, where you mentioned that your issue has been resolved. We really appreciate you updating the community with that information— it's always helpful when users share their troubleshooting experiences

Let us know if you need further assistance—we're here for you!

 

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator
If this helped clarify things, feel free to Like👍and click "Best Answer"

7 replies

G
Newcomer
  • gkuDSNewcomer
  • Newcomer
  • November 16, 2025

I’m running into this same issue. I’ve used Docusign for about 5 years now and have never had any trouble with uploading PDFs. But suddenly today, I got this error and google search doesn’t help since the error doesn’t specify which PDF layers/optional content groups are causing this error...

M
Community Moderator
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  • Melanie.PanguitoCommunity Moderator
  • Community Moderator
  • Answer
  • November 18, 2025

Hi ​@piakisj,

Welcome to the Docusign Community—great to have you here!

We regret the inconvenience caused by the error you encountered while trying to upload your PDF file. Recently, Docusign implemented an important security enhancement, specifically the system now blocks the upload of PDFs that contain optional content groups, commonly referred to as PDF layers. Unfortunately, this security update means that older PDFs or those containing layered content will trigger an error message during upload. To fix this, you need to modify your PDF before uploading:

  • Remove any PDF layers (optional content groups) from the PDF

  • Remove any actions configured to execute when the PDF is opened

I also came across your comment in another discussion 👉 Error, where you mentioned that your issue has been resolved. We really appreciate you updating the community with that information— it's always helpful when users share their troubleshooting experiences

Let us know if you need further assistance—we're here for you!

 

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator
If this helped clarify things, feel free to Like👍and click "Best Answer"

M
Community Moderator
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Hi ​@gkuDS—thanks for bringing this to our attention. As mentioned above, this is due to a security update.

Please perform the suggested solution. If you are still getting the error, refer to the related discussion 👉 Error. Here, ​@piakisj shared some valuable insights and guidance on how they successfully resolved the issue.

Here if you need us!

 

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator
If this helped, feel free to Like👍and click "Best Answer"

M
Community Moderator
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Hi ​@piakisj,

I trust all is well. We’d like to know if our previous response was useful. If so, please consider selecting it as 'Best Answer' ✅ to mark this topic resolved. Thank you, and have a great day! 😊

 

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator

M
Community Moderator
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Hello again ​@gkuDS,

I trust all is well. Do you still need support, or do you have questions?

Let us know— we're here for you!

 

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator

G
Newcomer
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  • gwgNewcomer
  • Newcomer
  • February 9, 2026

I’m using a trial version and I’m getting the following error in uploading a CRA document. Documents_editor:unsupported_pdf_content.

Any help would be appreciated.  George

 

M
Community Moderator
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Hi ​@gwg thanks for reaching out and we're sorry you are running into this issue. Security update is causing older PDFs or those with layered content to trigger this error during upload. Have you had a chance to try the recommended steps?

  • Remove any PDF layers (optional content groups)
  • Remove any actions that run when the PDF is opened

Another solution from another thread includes flattening the layers, saving the new version, and uploading it to Docusign👉 Error

Hope that helps. Let us know if you have questions—we've got you!

 

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator

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