Note:
This document provides instructions for Acrobat XI. If you're using Acrobat DC, see Acrobat DC Help.
You can sign a document to attest to its contents or approve the document. Based on the intent, you use different types of signatures.
To sign a PDF, you can type, draw, or insert an image of your handwritten signature. You can also add text, such as your name, company, title, or the date. When your document is complete, the signature and text become part of the PDF.
For more information about setting up a digital ID for certificate-based signatures, see Digital IDs.
Note:
Complete your edits before you sign. Changes made to the document after it is signed can invalidate the signature.
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The first time you sign, the Place Signature option opens a dialog box to allow you to create or import your signature.
Note:
Note: If you already have a signature, you can just click Place Signature and skip to step 6. To change or clear an existing signature, click the arrow button next to the Place Signature and then choose Change Saved Signature and Clear Saved Signature.
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(First time signing) In the Place Signature dialog box, choose the type of signature you want to place:
You can choose to type, use a webcam, draw, or import a signature, or sign with a certificate. Acrobat uses that signature on future PDFs you sign.Type my signature
Type your name in the Enter Your Name field. You can choose from a small selection of signature styles; click Change Signature Style to view a different style. When you are satisfied with your signature, click Accept.
Use a webcam
The Use Webcam option opens a video frame that helps you capture your signature image using your system webcam. For more information, see Create a Signature for signing a PDF.
Draw my signature
Draw your signature in the Draw Your Signature field. When you are satisfied with your signature, click Accept.
Use an image
Insert an image of your signature. For more information, see Create a signature for signing a PDF.
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A. Move pointer B. Resize pointer C. Rotate pointer
To learn more about digital signature options, see Validating digital signatures.
You can send signed documents via fax or email using the Adobe Sign service. Adobe Sign stores a copy in your online account so you can easily access it later. You can log in to Adobe Sign with your Adobe ID or create an account.
If you use a digital ID to sign or certify a PDF, you see an option to lock the document after signing.
Note: The Place Signature option helps you create a plain signature, it's not a digital ID.
For information on how to certify or sign a PDF with a digital ID, see the next section below.
When you receive a PDF with a signature field added, click the field and Acrobat or Reader displays your default digital ID if it's already added. Else you will see an option to create a new digital ID. Even if you don't have a signature field added, you can use the Sign with Certificate tool to sign the PDF. Follow the steps below.
To certify or sign a PDF with a digital ID:
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Go to the location in the PDF where you want to place the digital ID or signature, and then drag your mouse and draw a rectangle to place the signature.
The Sign Document dialog box is displayed. The default ID or signature is selected in the Sign As drop-down. If you want to choose another ID, click the drop-down and choose one.
Note: To create a new digital ID, choose New ID from the drop-down and follow the steps as described in Create a self-signed Digital ID.
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Caution:
Note that the document will be locked for further editing. This is useful when you're the last person or the only one person to sign the document. If you're not sure, save a copy of the PDF before choosing this option and signing.
Unfortunately, you cannot recover or reset the password if you’ve forgotten it. If you created the ID yourself, you can create a new one with the same information that you used for the ID. If you got the ID from a certificate authority, contact the authority for help.
For more information, see Digital IDs.
You can get documents signed by others using Adobe Sign. Adobe Sign is an online service that lets users quickly sign documents in a web browser, without requiring a digital ID. The service keeps track of the entire process.
The Adobe Sign service emails your signers that you'd like them to sign a document. They review and sign the document on the secure Adobe Sign website. Once signed, both you and your signers receive the signed PDF in email. Adobe Sign stores the signed document in your account for future reference. For more information, visit https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/sign.html.
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