How to Add an Electronic Signature and Submit Button to a PDF Form
Question details
The user wants to configure a fillable PDF form that contains both an electronic signature area and a submit button, and needs to understand the difference between standard electronic signatures and certificate-based digital signatures.
- Product
- PDF Editors
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating an interactive fillable PDF form that allows end-users to sign the document and click a button to submit the form data.
- Observed behavior
- Needs to successfully set up both a signature field (electronic or digital) and a working submit button on the same document without conflict.
Determine whether your document requires a simple electronic signature (typed, drawn, or image-based) or a legally binding certificate-based digital signature before designing the form.
Add a Signature Field and Submit Button using PDF Form Tools
Use standard PDF form editing tools to insert a dedicated signature field and a programmable push button for submission.
Adding interactive elements to a PDF requires a PDF editor equipped with form-creation capabilities. You can place both a signature field and a submit button on the same page. It is important to configure the signature field properties properly so that signing the document does not lock the submit button, which would prevent the user from sending the form.
Open your PDF in a professional PDF editor (such as Adobe Acrobat or WPS PDF) and navigate to the 'Form' or 'Prepare Form' tab to access the interactive element tools.
Select the 'Digital Signature' or 'Signature Field' tool from the toolbar. Click and drag on the document page to draw the box where you want users to place their signature.
Select the 'Button' tool from the form toolbar. Draw a rectangle on the page where you want the submit button to appear, then double-click the new button to open its Properties dialog.
In the Button Properties, go to the 'Options' tab to type 'Submit' as the button label. Next, navigate to the 'Actions' tab, select 'Mouse Up' as the trigger, choose 'Submit a form' from the action dropdown, and click 'Add'.
In the Submit Form Selections window, enter your destination URL or mailto link (e.g., mailto:your-email@example.com). Choose the export format (such as PDF The whole document) and click 'OK'. Save your PDF to finalize the changes.
Design and Manage Interactive PDF Forms with WPS PDF
WPS Office features a robust PDF editor that makes it incredibly simple to insert text fields, signature areas, and programmable buttons. You can design professional, interactive forms and easily handle digital signatures.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office, open your PDF document, and click on the 'Form' tab in the top ribbon.
- 2. Add a Sign Field: Click the 'Sign Field' option and drag the cursor on your document to place the electronic signature box.
- 3. Insert the Submit Button: Click the 'Push Button' icon, draw the button on your form, and double-click it to open the Properties panel.
- 4. Set the Action: In the Properties panel, switch to the 'Actions' tab, set the action to 'Submit a form', and enter your receiving email address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature in a PDF?
An electronic signature is a broad term that includes any electronic representation of a signature, such as a typed name, a drawn image, or an uploaded picture of your handwritten signature. A digital signature is a highly secure type of electronic signature that uses a certificate-based digital ID to encrypt the data, verify the signer's identity, and detect any subsequent tampering.
Why isn't my PDF submit button working after someone signs it?
This usually happens because the signature field properties were set to lock the document or specific fields once the signature is applied. To fix this, you must edit the signature field properties in your PDF editor, go to the 'Signed' tab, and ensure that the action is not set to lock the Submit button.
Can I make the signature field mandatory before the user can submit the form?
Yes. When editing the PDF form, open the properties of the signature field and check the 'Required' box (usually found under the General tab). When a user attempts to click the Submit button without signing, the PDF viewer will prompt them to complete the required signature field first.
