How to Add Your Signature to an Electronically Signed PDF
Question details
The user needs to append their own signature to a PDF document that already contains an electronic signature from another person.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Collaborating on a contract or form that requires multiple parties to electronically sign the same document sequentially.
- Observed behavior
- Users are unsure how to add a second signature or find that they are blocked from signing because the document has been restricted or locked by the first signer.
Before attempting to add your signature, check the document properties to ensure the previous signer did not choose to lock the PDF after applying their electronic signature.
Add a Signature to an Unlocked PDF
Use standard PDF editing tools to append your signature if the document remains unlocked after the first signature was applied.
When a document is electronically signed, the sender or initial signer has the option to lock the document to prevent further changes. If they left the document unlocked, you can easily add your signature using the standard Fill and Sign or Certificate tools in your PDF reader.
Launch your PDF application (such as Adobe Acrobat or WPS PDF) and open the electronically signed document.
Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' tool or the 'Certificates' option depending on the type of signature required by the document.
Click on the document where you want your signature to appear, select your pre-saved signature or create a new one, and place it on the page.
Save a new copy of the PDF to finalize your signature alongside the previous one.
Request an Unlocked Copy or Workflow Adjustment
If the document is locked for editing, you must contact the original sender to adjust the signature workflow.
Easily Add Multiple Signatures with WPS PDF
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF toolkit that allows you to effortlessly add, manage, and request multiple electronic signatures on a single document, ensuring smooth collaboration.
- 1. Open the signed PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document that needs your signature.
- 2. Navigate to Fill & Sign: Click on the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab located on the top ribbon.
- 3. Create your signature: Click 'Sign' and select 'Create Signature' to type, draw, or upload an image of your signature.
- 4. Place and save: Drag the signature to the correct field in the document, resize if necessary, and save your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the signature tools grayed out when I open the PDF?
If the signature tools are grayed out, it means the previous signer chose to lock the document after applying their electronic signature. You will need to contact the sender to provide an unlocked version or initiate a multi-signer workflow.
Does adding my signature invalidate the first person's signature?
No. As long as the document was left unlocked and you use standard PDF signing tools (like Fill & Sign or designated signature fields), adding a secondary signature will append to the document without breaking the cryptographic seal of the first signature.
How can I tell if a PDF has been locked after signing?
You can check by looking for a padlock icon in your PDF viewer's interface. Additionally, you can navigate to Document Properties (usually under the File menu) and check the Security tab to see if 'Signing' is marked as 'Not Allowed'.
Can I edit the text of the PDF before adding my signature?
Once a document has an electronic or digital signature applied, any changes to the text or core content will usually invalidate the existing signatures. You should only fill in designated form fields and apply your signature.
