Did you know you can ensure the integrity and authenticity of your PDF documents by using digital signatures in Adobe Acrobat?
In this digital age, it’s essential to protect yourself and others when signing work contracts, car leases, vacation house rentals, and other documents.
Adobe Acrobat is one of the most popular apps to manage PDF files, and you probably already use it. That’s why it’s so convenient to use it for digital signatures.
In this article, I’ll explain what a digital signature is, how it works, and how to use it in Adobe Acrobat.
Digital Signatures in Adobe Acrobat
Suppose you want to streamline contract approval, transition into an eco-friendly paperless company, or simply offer extra assurances to your clients. In that case, you might want to use digital signatures in Adobe Acrobat.
What Is a Digital Signature?
Overview of digital signing/verification. Credit: Frank Flanagan assumed (based on copyright claims), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A digital signature allows you to validate the authenticity of a digital message or document.
In a digitalized world where remote work, international agreements, and paperless transactions are increasingly common, it’s more important than ever to use digital signatures to protect ourselves and provide assurances to others.
A digital signature validates the sender’s identity, preventing scams and phishing issues. It also ensures that the message hasn’t been tampered with.
In short, a digital signature is the equivalent of a handwritten signature. They can even be more secure if used correctly and through a valid platform.
One of these platforms is Adobe Acrobat.
Is Adobe Acrobat the Same As Adobe Sign?
No, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Sign are two different products from Adobe.
Adobe Sign allows you to sign documents digitally and send them to be signed by others. It also has tracking features that let you collect documents, track multiple digital signatures, and more.
Adobe Acrobat also offers e-signature features similar to Adobe Sign. However, it’s a more robust app that allows you to create, edit, secure, and view PDF documents.
Why Use Adobe Acrobat?
Using Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can create a digital certificate that functions as an online ID card issued by a trustworthy organization.
Then, you create a digital signature that contains encrypted information unique to each signature, ensuring the receiver that the sender is who they claim to be.
It’s also possible to verify whether the document was modified after it was originally signed. This gives the receiver assurance about the authenticity of the message.
You can use Acrobat Standard to create, fill, sign, and send documents and forms. The subscription plans start at US$12.99.
Acrobat Pro offers more advanced editing features. The price starts at US$19.99. You can compare versions and plans on Adobe’s website.
Adobe Acrobat is one of the most popular PDF solutions, which ensures compatibility and ease of use. With Acrobat Pro, you can access the desktop software, online tools, the Acrobat Reader mobile app, and the Adobe Scan mobile app.
In addition to the digital signature capabilities, Acrobat Pro allows you to edit text and images in a PDF, reorder or delete pages, and convert PDF files into other formats such as Word or PPT.
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You can increase the security of your documents by adding a password or permanently removing visible sensitive information.
These and other features make Adobe Acrobat Pro the perfect platform for creating and sending documents that require digital signatures.
How to Use Digital Signatures in Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat Standard and Pro allow you to use digital signatures in your PDF documents to streamline your work and do paperless transactions.
Here are a few ways to use this practical feature.
How To Request a Digital Signature With Adobe Acrobat
Create a PDF with the document you want to send out to get signed.
Click on Request Signatures.
Input the sender’s email address and add a personal message.
Click on Request Signatures.
Receivers can sign on any browser where you can also see your signed documents or save them to your device.
How To Create a Digital Certificate Signature With Acrobat Pro and Sign Your PDF Documents
Step 1 – Create a Digital ID
Go to Menu>Preferences (Ctrl+K)>Signatures.
Go to Identities and Trusted Certificates and click More.
With Digital IDs selected, click on Add ID.
Select ‘A new Digital ID I want to create now’ and click Next.
Choose where you want to store your new Digital ID. I recommend you leave the default option and just click Next.
Fill the form with your data (Name, Organization, etc.) and click Next.
Create a password and click Next.
Step 2 – Create a Digital Signature
Create a new blank document inside Acrobat Pro by selecting Create a PDF.
Select ‘Blank Page’ and click Create.
Click on Sign>Add Signature. Here, you can type or draw your signature. Alternatively, you can upload an image of your handwritten signature. When ready, click Apply.
Resize the signature and crop the extra space on the blank page, as you won’t need this as part of your digital signature.
Save as a PDF file.
Step 3 – Save your Digital Signature
Go to Menu>Preferences (Ctrl+K)>Signatures.
Select ‘Creation and Appearance’ and click More.
On the section Appearance, click on New.
Name your signature so you can identify it. Then, select ‘Import Graphics’ and use the browser to upload the file you created in step number 2. Click OK.
You can further configure how your digital signature will look by toggling on and off the multiple choices available – for example, date, location, etc. Click OK.
Step 4 – Use your Digital Signature
Go to ‘See All Tools’.
Select ‘Use a Certificate’.
Select the document you want to sign and open it.
Click on ‘Digitally Sign’.
Click and Drag a text square wherever you want to add your digital signature.
On the pop-up window, choose the digital signature you want to use and click Continue.
Then, open the Appearance drop-down menu and select the one you created in step number 3.
Enable ‘Lock Document After Signing’ to prevent anyone from modifying the document after you’ve signed it.
Enter your password and click Sign.
Save the document.
