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How to Combine Digitally Signed PDFs and Keep Comments on Mac
Question details
The user needs to combine multiple digitally signed chapter PDFs into a single file on a Mac while ensuring all original comments and markups are preserved.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to merge separate, digitally signed PDF chapters into one unified document for review or archiving without losing existing annotations.
- Observed behavior
- The signed PDFs cannot be merged into a standard PDF because the digital signatures lock the documents, rendering them read-only and preventing structural changes.
Verify if you have access to the original, unsigned versions of the PDF chapters, as standard merging is only possible before digital signatures are applied to the documents.
Use a PDF Portfolio to Group Signed Files
Since signed files are locked and read-only, placing them into a PDF Portfolio allows you to collect them into one container without invalidating the signatures or losing any comments.
A PDF portfolio acts as a digital envelope that holds multiple individual PDFs together. Because the files remain separate inside the portfolio, their individual digital signatures and comments stay fully intact and valid.
Open your PDF application, go to the 'File' menu, and select the option to 'Create PDF Portfolio'.
Click 'Add Files' within the portfolio interface and select all the digitally signed chapter PDFs you wish to group together from your Mac.
Drag and drop the files to arrange them in the correct chapter order, then click 'File' > 'Save As' to save the complete PDF Portfolio.
Combine Unsigned PDFs Before Signing
If you absolutely require a single standard PDF file rather than a portfolio, you must merge the files prior to applying any digital signatures.
Easily Manage and Combine PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office for Mac provides powerful PDF tools to seamlessly merge unsigned documents, manage review comments, and handle secure digital signatures effortlessly in one application.
- 1. Open PDF Tools: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the homepage.
- 2. Merge Unsigned Files: Select 'Merge PDF', add your unsigned chapter files, and arrange them in the correct order to create a single document.
- 3. Sign and Save: Open the newly merged PDF, go to the 'Protect' or 'Sign' tab to add your digital signature, and save the finalized file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I merge PDFs that are already digitally signed?
Applying a digital signature mathematically seals the document to prevent unauthorized tampering. Merging alters the file's core structure, which automatically invalidates the signature or is outright blocked by the read-only permissions set during the signing process.
Will my comments be lost if I 'Print to PDF' to combine signed files?
Yes. Using the 'Print to PDF' workaround flattens the document. This not only strips away the digital signatures completely but also permanently flattens all comments, making them uneditable and removing any interactive pop-up markups.
Can I remove a digital signature to merge the PDF?
If you are the original signer and owner of the digital ID used, you may be able to right-click the signature and clear it. However, if the document was signed by a third party, you cannot remove the signature without invalidating the document's authenticity.
