Fix Topaz Signature Pad Not Working with PDFs in Internet Explorer 11
Question details
The user is unable to use a Topaz signature pad to sign a PDF when the document is opened within the Internet Explorer 11 browser.
- Product
- Internet Explorer 11, PDF
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign a PDF document opened within a web browser using a Topaz hardware signature pad.
- Observed behavior
- The signature pad functions correctly in desktop software like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, but it fails to recognize input or work at all when the same PDF is opened in Internet Explorer 11.
Ensure your Topaz signature pad drivers are fully up to date and verify that the device is securely plugged into your computer's USB port before proceeding.
Open the PDF in a Desktop Application
Bypassing the browser entirely is the most reliable way to use hardware signature pads, as desktop applications have native driver support.
Internet Explorer 11 applies strict browser-specific security, ActiveX filtering, and compatibility restrictions to signature devices. Because of these legacy limitations, browser plugins required for hardware signature pads often fail to load or communicate with the device.
Downloading the file and opening it in a dedicated desktop PDF reader circumvents these browser restrictions and relies directly on your operating system's drivers.
While viewing the PDF in Internet Explorer 11, click the 'Save' or 'Download' icon to save the document to your local hard drive.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you saved the PDF document.
Right-click the PDF file, hover over 'Open with', and select a desktop PDF application such as WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Use the application's native signature tool to sign the document using your Topaz signature pad.
Adjust Internet Explorer 11 Security Settings
Modify your browser's security zones to allow the Topaz web extension or ActiveX control to run, provided your organization permits it.
Sign PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
Avoid outdated browser compatibility issues by opening and signing your PDF documents directly in WPS Office. WPS provides robust, lightweight PDF editing and electronic signature tools natively on your desktop.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and complete the installation process.
- 2. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your downloaded PDF document directly within the application.
- 3. Access signature tools: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon and select 'PDF Signature'.
- 4. Apply your signature: Use your connected signature pad to draw your signature, apply it to the document, and save your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my signature pad work in desktop apps but not in web browsers?
Desktop applications have direct access to your computer's operating system and hardware drivers. Web browsers like Internet Explorer 11 enforce strict security boundaries, called 'sandboxing' or 'security zones,' which often block web pages from communicating directly with external USB devices like a signature pad.
Is Internet Explorer 11 still supported for PDF signing workflows?
Internet Explorer 11 has been officially retired and is no longer supported by Microsoft for most versions of Windows 10. Modern PDF signing workflows rely either on modern browsers (like Edge or Chrome) with updated web extensions, or preferably, dedicated desktop PDF software.
Do I need a specific plugin to use a Topaz signature pad in a browser?
Yes, signing within a web browser generally requires a specific browser extension, ActiveX control, or background service provided by Topaz Systems (such as SigWeb). If this plugin is blocked by browser security, the pad will not function on the webpage.
