Can Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 Send PDFs for Electronic Signatures?
Question details
The user wants to know if Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 can send PDF contracts for electronic signatures without needing an additional subscription service.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Preparing and sending PDF contracts for electronic signatures without paying for a recurring subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to request signatures from recipients but is unsure if Acrobat Pro 2017's standalone license supports built-in electronic signing workflows.
Verify whether you only need to sign a document locally or if you require a trackable electronic signature workflow with external recipients.
Use Manual Email Workflow for Signature Collection
Since hosted signing workflows require a subscription, you can manually prepare the PDF and email it to recipients to sign and return.
Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 allows you to prepare forms and add signature fields natively. However, utilizing Adobe's automated routing, tracking, and signature collection requires a paid Adobe Acrobat Sign subscription. To avoid extra fees, you can use a manual email process.
Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro 2017 and select the 'Prepare Form' tool from the right-hand pane to automatically detect or manually add signature fields.
Save the document with the newly added signature fields to your local computer.
Attach the PDF to a standard email in your preferred email client and send it to your recipient with instructions to sign.
The recipient can open the PDF in free software like Acrobat Reader, use the 'Fill & Sign' tool to apply their signature, save the document, and email it back to you.
Sign Locally using a Digital Certificate
If you only need to apply your own digital signature to a document before sending it off, Acrobat Pro 2017 can handle this natively.
Sign and Manage PDF Documents for Free with WPS Office
Avoid expensive standalone PDF subscriptions. WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF editor that allows you to easily add signature fields, insert your own electronic signature, and manage PDF documents directly.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document that needs to be signed.
- 2. Access the signing tool: Navigate to the 'PDF' tab and click on the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Sign' feature on the top toolbar.
- 3. Create your signature: Click 'Create Signature' to type your name, draw your signature, or upload an image of your physical signature.
- 4. Apply to document: Place the newly created signature into the appropriate field on the document and resize it if necessary.
- 5. Save and share: Save the signed PDF document and use the built-in share options to send it directly via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 include Adobe Sign?
No, Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 is a perpetual desktop license. While it can prepare forms and support local signatures, using Adobe Sign's cloud-based routing and automated tracking requires a separate paid subscription.
Can recipients sign a PDF if they don't have Acrobat Pro?
Yes, recipients can sign PDF documents using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or other free PDF viewers like WPS Office by utilizing the standard Fill & Sign tools.
Are manually emailed electronic signatures legally binding?
In many jurisdictions, standard electronic signatures applied via free tools are legally binding for most business transactions. However, highly regulated industries might require certificate-based digital signatures or audited e-sign services.
How do I create a digital ID in Acrobat Pro 2017?
Go to the 'Certificates' tool, click 'Digitally Sign', and when prompted, choose to configure a new Digital ID. You can save it as a secure file on your computer protected by a password.
