Permissions and limitations of signed PDFs

Understand the limitations and permissions of signed PDFs in Acrobat, including editing, locking, and handling multiple signatures.

Signing a PDF with a digital ID affects document editing and accessibility. Refer to the following topics to learn when PDFs become locked, how to retrieve unsigned copies, and best practices to prevent signing-related restrictions in the future.

Permissions and editing signed PDFs

Understand what you can and can’t do after a PDF is signed:

• If you are the only signer, you can remove your signature by right-clicking on it and selecting Clear Signature to make changes.
• If others have signed the PDF, you must request the original unsigned copy or ask the signer to remove their signature.

Retrieving unsigned PDFs

To make changes to a signed document, you may need to revert to an unsigned version:

• If you are the sole signer, remove your signature and edit the document.
• If multiple people have signed, request the initiator to provide an unsigned version or the source file.

Preventing future issues

To avoid issues with editing or adding more signatures later, follow these best practices:

• Save a backup copy of the unsigned PDF before signing.
• Keep an original unsigned version of a document by selecting Menu > Save as.
• Avoid selecting Lock document after signing checkbox if additional signatures are required.

Limitations and editing restrictions

Here’s how digital signatures impact document editing:

• Once a PDF is signed with a digital ID or certificate, it becomes locked and prevents further changes.
• If the document is locked after signing, no edits or additional signatures can be added.

Handling locked PDFs and multiple signatures

Understand the impact of locking and signing order:

• A PDF becomes read-only for others after a digital signature is applied.
• If the Lock document after signing option is selected, the document is permanently locked, even for the signer.
• If a PDF locks after the first signature, you’ll need to recreate it or request a new copy from the owner. By default, PDFs remain open for signing unless the signer selects Lock document after signing.
• The only solution is to recreate the PDF or request an unsigned copy from the document owner.