Fix Digital Signing Option Grayed Out in Acrobat 2017 on macOS
Question details
The user is unable to add a digital signature to a certified PDF document because the signing tool is disabled or grayed out.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 2017
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to apply a digital signature to a PDF that has already been certified by an author.
- Observed behavior
- The digital signing command is grayed out and unavailable, despite the document apparently allowing signing and not being explicitly locked.
Verify that your macOS is fully updated and check if the original author of the PDF restricted further signing when they applied their certification.
Restart macOS and Isolate the Issue
Rebooting the system clears temporary application glitches in Acrobat, while testing an unsigned PDF helps determine if the issue is document-specific or application-wide.
Software glitches or background processes hanging on macOS can occasionally cause Acrobat 2017's interface elements to freeze or gray out. Restarting the Mac can restore normal functionality.
Additionally, verifying the issue with a completely blank, uncertified PDF will tell you if the problem stems from the specific certified document's security settings.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'Restart'. Wait for the system to fully boot.
Launch Adobe Acrobat 2017 and open a different PDF document that has never been signed or certified.
Navigate to the Tools menu, select 'Certificates' or 'Fill & Sign', and attempt to place a digital signature. If it works, the previous document's certification restrictions are the root cause.
Verify Document Security Settings
Check the internal security properties of the PDF to ensure the certifier did not block subsequent signatures.
Easily Add Digital Signatures to PDFs with WPS Office
If you are experiencing persistent issues with legacy PDF software, try WPS Office. It provides a robust, modern PDF editor for Mac and Windows that allows you to securely add digital signatures, certify documents, and manage permissions without hassle.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and open the PDF file you need to sign.
- 2. Access the signing tool: Navigate to the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab located on the top ribbon.
- 3. Create or insert your signature: Click 'Sign' to import your existing digital ID or draw a new signature.
- 4. Place and save: Click on the document where you want the signature to appear, then save the file to finalize the digital signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does certifying a PDF disable the digital signature option?
When an author certifies a PDF, they can set specific permission restrictions to protect the document's integrity. If they chose to restrict all further modifications, the digital signing options will be deliberately grayed out for anyone else opening the file.
How can I tell if a PDF is permanently locked for signing?
Open the PDF, go to File > Properties (or press Cmd+D on a Mac), and view the Security tab. Check the 'Document Restrictions Summary'. If 'Signing' is labeled as 'Not Allowed', the document is locked against new signatures.
Can I remove the certification to sign the PDF?
No, you cannot remove a certification or digital signature placed by someone else unless you have the original password or administrative rights to the document. You will need to contact the author to provide a version that permits additional signatures.
