PDF Editing Issues

Fix Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign Signature Replaced by Text Tool

Jason MillerJason Miller Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user's saved signature in Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign switches to the text tool instead of placing the signature.

Fix Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign Signature Replaced by Text Tool
Product
Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to place a saved signature into a PDF document using the Fill & Sign feature.
Observed behavior
Selecting the saved signature activates the AB text tool instead of inserting the graphical signature.
Before you start

Verify that your Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader software is updated to the latest version, as Adobe frequently releases patches to fix Fill & Sign interface bugs.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Dedicated Sign Tool Instead of Add Text

Ensure you are actively using the 'Sign yourself' tool rather than clicking the document directly, which defaults to the text tool.

Acrobat's Fill & Sign feature defaults to the 'Add Text' (AB) tool when you click anywhere on the document. If you try to place a signature while the text tool is active, it may glitch and replace your signature with a text box.

1
Open Fill & Sign

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat and select the 'Fill & Sign' tool from the right-hand pane.

2
Select the Sign Tool

In the top toolbar, click on the 'Sign yourself' icon (which looks like a fountain pen) instead of clicking directly on the document.

3
Choose Your Signature

Select your saved signature from the dropdown menu that appears.

4
Place the Signature

Move your cursor to the desired location on the PDF and click once to place the signature.

Use the Dedicated Sign Tool Instead of Add Text
Tip: Avoid clicking the document before selecting your signature from the top menu to prevent the text tool from overriding your action.
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  3. 3. Navigate to the Fill & Sign Tool: Go to the 'Fill & Sign' tab or click the 'Sign' button in the toolbar.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the signature tool turn into a text box in Acrobat?

This typically happens if you accidentally select the 'Add Text' tool instead of the 'Sign' tool, or due to a temporary glitch in the Acrobat Fill & Sign profile. Clicking the document before selecting the signature from the top menu triggers the default text tool.

How do I completely reset my Adobe Acrobat signature?

Go to Fill & Sign, click on the 'Sign yourself' pen icon, and click the minus (-) icon next to your existing signature. After removing it, click 'Add Signature' to create a brand new one.

Can I use an image as my signature instead of typing it?

Yes, when adding a new signature in most PDF editors, including Adobe Acrobat and WPS Office, you can choose the 'Image' option to upload a scanned picture of your handwritten signature for a more authentic look.