How to Allow PDF Comments After Adding a Digital Signature
Question details
The user needs to allow reviewers to add comments to a PDF document after it has been digitally signed by the author or architect.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing architectural or official PDFs that require an initial signature before gathering feedback from other stakeholders.
- Observed behavior
- Using standard signature workflows (like Send for Signature) locks the entire document, preventing users from adding comments after the document is signed.
Ensure you are working with the original unsigned version of your PDF, as a document that has already been locked by a digital signature cannot be modified to retroactively allow comments.
Use a Digital Signature Field to Retain Commenting Access
By manually placing and configuring a specific digital signature field instead of using auto-locking signature workflows, you can permit annotations after signing.
Automated workflows like 'Send for Signature' typically flatten and lock the entire PDF document to prevent any unauthorized alterations to the signed agreement. To maintain a workflow where a document is signed first and then reviewed, you must use a standard Digital Signature field. This allows the PDF software to validate the document's content while still treating comments and form fields as permissible appended data.
Open your PDF editor, navigate to the Form or Protect tab, and insert a new Digital Signature field into the desired location on the document.
Right-click the newly placed signature field, select Properties, and navigate to the 'Signed' tab to manage document restrictions.
Check the option that controls what happens after the document is signed. Set the permissions to explicitly allow 'Commenting, filling in form fields, and signing existing signature fields'.
Close the properties dialog and click on the signature field to apply your digital certificate. Reviewers will now be able to use the comment tools without invalidating the signature.
Manage PDF Signatures and Comments with WPS Office
WPS Office provides advanced PDF editing tools that let you seamlessly manage digital signatures, set precise document permissions, and collaborate with reviewers using rich commenting features.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file that needs to be signed and reviewed.
- 2. Navigate to the Protect tab: Click on the 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon to access document security and signature features.
- 3. Insert your signature: Use the PDF signature tools to apply your digital signature without locking the annotation features.
- 4. Utilize comment tools: Have reviewers switch to the 'Comment' tab to add highlights, sticky notes, and text feedback to the signed file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the comment tools grayed out after I sign a PDF?
This occurs if the signature workflow you used (such as 'Send for Signature' or 'Certify Document with restricted permissions') is configured to lock the document against any further changes. This is a security measure to protect the integrity of the signature.
Can I unlock a signed PDF to add comments?
Once a PDF is locked by a restrictive digital signature, it cannot be unlocked without completely invalidating the signature. You must ask the original author to re-sign the document using a signature field that permits commenting.
Are comments added after signing legally valid?
Yes. PDF comments and annotations are tracked as separate data appended over the base document. The digital signature validates the original document's base state, so adding comments does not alter or invalidate the digitally signed content.
Does WPS Office support adding digital signatures to PDFs?
Yes, WPS Office supports adding, verifying, and managing digital signatures in PDF documents, allowing secure workflows for official, legal, and architectural files.
