How to Add Strikethrough Before a Digital Signature in PDF
Question details
The user wants to know if applying a digital signature in Acrobat DC can automatically cross out specific text using a strikethrough action.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC / PDF
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Signing a document where certain text needs to be marked as crossed out or invalid during the signature process.
- Observed behavior
- Digital signature actions strictly sign the document and cannot be configured or changed to apply strikethrough formatting to text.
Before proceeding, ensure that your PDF document is not already locked or restricted by a previous digital signature, as editing and markup features like strikethrough will be disabled once the document is signed.
Apply Strikethrough Annotations Before Adding the Digital Signature
Since digital signatures cannot alter text formatting, you must manually apply the strikethrough markup prior to signing the document.
Digital signatures are designed to cryptographically lock the document's current state to ensure authenticity. Therefore, a signature action cannot be repurposed to cross out text. The correct workflow is to finalize all text edits and markups before applying your digital certificate.
Open your PDF document and navigate to the commenting, edit, or markup tools section in the top toolbar.
Click on the Strikethrough text tool, usually represented by an 'ab' icon with a line through it.
Click and drag your cursor over the specific text you want to visibly cross out in the document.
Once all necessary text is crossed out, go to the certificates or digital signature tool, draw your signature box, and apply your certificate to finalize the document.
Easily Add Strikethrough and Sign Documents with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a complete suite of PDF editing tools, allowing you to quickly cross out text using the strikethrough feature and securely sign your documents in one seamless workflow.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you need to edit and sign.
- 2. Apply Strikethrough: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab, select the 'Strikethrough' tool, and highlight the text you want to cross out.
- 3. Sign the Document: Go to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Protect' tab to insert your digital or electronic signature.
- 4. Save and Lock: Save the finalized PDF to embed the markups and lock the document state with your signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a strikethrough after digitally signing the PDF?
Generally, no. Removing a strikethrough after a document has been digitally signed modifies the document content, which will immediately invalidate the existing signature. You must clear the signature first to make edits.
Why does a digital signature action only create a signature stamp?
Digital signature actions are strictly designed to cryptographically secure the document's current state. While they may optionally display a visible signature stamp, they cannot perform text editing actions like crossing out or highlighting text.
Is it possible to use a custom action or script to cross out text during signing?
No, standard PDF digital signature workflows do not support triggering text formatting changes simultaneously with the cryptographic signing process. All edits must be finalized beforehand.
What should I do if the document is already signed but needs a strikethrough?
You must request the original author or signer to remove their signature, apply the necessary strikethrough edits, and then re-sign the document to maintain its legal and structural integrity.
