Digitally Sign an Adobe PDF File

You can use a digital signature to comply with the most demanding legal and regulatory requirements because it provides the highest level of assurance about each signer’s identity and the authenticity of the documents they sign.

To digitally sign a PDF file install Adobe Acrobat DC sfotware from App Store in PC. When using Adobe Acrobat, after an electronic signature has been added to the PDF file the file is no longer able to be edited. For this document, you can digitally sign and continue to edit the file by following the below steps:

1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
2. In the upper right-hand corner, click on Tools.
3. Select the option Certificates.
4. Navigate to the signature line that you are wanting to sign.
5. At the top of the page click on Digitally Sign.
6. Click and drag your mouse cursor above the signature line to create a textbox.
7. A pop-up box will appear. If you already have a Digital ID that you would like to use, click the Continue button. Otherwise, click the Configure New Digital ID button to create a Digital ID.
• If creating a new Digital ID, select the Create a new Digital ID option and then click Continue.
• Select how you would like to save the Digital ID: Save to File or Save to Windows Certificate Store (recommended). Then click Continue.
• Enter your name and email address, then click Save.
• Select your newly created Digital ID and then click the Continue button.
8. A pop-up window will appear showing a preview of your digital signature. If you would prefer, you can keep the Digital ID as how it appears, or you can click the Create button in the upper right-hand corner to customize a signature.
9. Please make sure that the Lock document after signing option is left UNCHECKED.
10. Then click the Sign button.
11. A pop-up window will appear of your files area to select where to save the file. Select where you would like to save your file to your computer and rename your file if necessary.
12. The digital signature should then appear on the PDF file and you should also be able to continue editing the file if necessary.

FAQ about Digitally Sign on PDF File-

Q ➤ Can I edit a PDF that I signed?Ans ➤ If you’re the only one signer, you can remove the signature and then work on the document or edit the source document. To remove your signature, right-click the signature and then choose Clear Signature.

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Q ➤ Is there a way to retrieve the unsigned PDF and resign it?Ans ➤ If you’re the only one signer, you can remove your signature and work on the document. If the document is signed by others, you can request the initiator to share an unsigned copy or the source document with you.

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Q ➤ What if a PDF is locked after signing?Ans ➤ Occasionally, you or the signer may choose to lock the document after signing. In this case, the document becomes read-only and no further changes are allowed; even a signature can’t be added in the document. The Lock document after signing option is useful if you’re the last signer or the only one signer.

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Q ➤ What are the scenarios in which a PDF is locked?Ans ➤ When you sign a PDF using your digital ID, the PDF becomes read-only for others. If you received a PDF digitally signed by others, you can sign it, but can’t edit it. While signing a PDF, if the signer chooses to lock the document after signing, the document becomes read-only for everyone, including the signer.

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Q ➤ What if multiple signatures are needed and the PDF is locked after the first signature?Ans ➤ You have no other option than to create the PDF again or request the PDF from the owner. Generally, the PDF is locked for editing, but not for signing unless you or the first signer chooses the Lock document after signing option while signing.

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Q ➤ How to handle such issues better in future?Ans ➤ Before you sign a PDF, you can save a copy of the PDF. Also, while signing the PDF, you’re prompted to save as the PDF. You can choose a different name so that you have the original PDF unsigned. If you’re expecting others to sign the PDF, don’t select the Lock document after signing option in the Sign As dialog box or the Sign Document dialog box.

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