How to Add Signatures to a PDF Already Signed with DocuSign
Question details
Users need to know if it is possible to add new signature fields to a PDF that has already been signed and locked by DocuSign, and what workarounds exist.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat and DocuSign
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user receives a completed, DocuSign-signed PDF and attempts to add an additional signature field or sign it themselves using Adobe Acrobat.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF is locked for editing to protect the digital certificate, preventing Adobe Acrobat from allowing any new signatures or modifications without invalidating the document.
Determine if your document strictly requires the original digital certificate to remain valid for legal compliance. If cryptographic validation is necessary, you must use a formal digital signature workflow rather than printing or flattening the file.
Route the Document Through a New DocuSign Workflow
The most secure and legally compliant method is to upload the signed document into a new DocuSign envelope to collect additional signatures without breaking validation.
Because Adobe Acrobat respects the digital lock placed by DocuSign, the best practice is to handle any subsequent signatures directly through DocuSign.
Log into your DocuSign account and click 'New' to start a new envelope workflow.
Select and upload the PDF document that has already been signed and locked.
Enter the names and email addresses of the additional people who need to sign the document.
Drag and drop the new signature fields onto the appropriate lines in the document, then click 'Send'.
Flatten the PDF by Printing to PDF
If digital validation is not strictly required, you can print the document to a new PDF file to flatten the existing signature, which removes the lock.
Sign Flattened PDFs Easily with WPS Office
Once you have flattened your PDF to remove the digital lock, WPS Office provides a free, fast, and highly compatible PDF editor to add your e-signatures, text, and annotations effortlessly.
- 1. Open the Flattened PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the flattened PDF document.
- 2. Access the Signature Tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon.
- 3. Create Your Signature: Click 'Sign' and choose to draw, type, or import an image of your signature.
- 4. Place and Save: Click anywhere on the document to place the signature, adjust its size, and save the updated PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I edit a PDF after it is signed in DocuSign?
DocuSign applies a secure digital certificate to seal the document. This cryptographic lock prevents any unauthorized changes, including adding new signature fields in Adobe Acrobat, to ensure the document's legal integrity is maintained.
Does Adobe Acrobat have a feature to bypass DocuSign locks?
No, Adobe Acrobat strictly respects the security settings of digital certificates. If a document is locked by a DocuSign signature, Acrobat will not allow you to bypass it or add new fields without breaking the signature's validity.
Is it legally valid to print and scan a DocuSign document to add signatures?
While the visual signature remains intact when printing and scanning, the cryptographic digital certificate is removed. Its legal validity as an original document may be compromised depending on your jurisdiction and the specific requirements of the agreement.
