How to Correct the Common Name in an Acrobat Digital Signature
Question details
The user needs to change or correct the common name displayed in their digital signature.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Applying a digital signature to a PDF document where the signer's identity must be accurately displayed.
- Observed behavior
- The digital signature displays the computer name or an incorrect identifier instead of the signer's actual name, even when Acrobat Identity settings are seemingly correct.
Ensure you have your correct digital ID file or certificate credentials available, as fixing the common name may require reviewing or recreating your digital ID.
Update Signature Creation & Appearance Preferences
Adjust your signature appearance settings in Acrobat to ensure the correct common name is pulled from your digital ID and displayed on the PDF.
The appearance of your digital signature is controlled by specific configuration profiles in Acrobat. If the common name is incorrect, it is typically because the selected appearance profile is configured improperly or pulling from an incorrect default digital ID.
Launch Adobe Acrobat, click on the 'Edit' menu at the top, and select 'Preferences'.
In the left-hand pane of the Preferences window, select 'Signatures'. Under the 'Creation & Appearance' section, click the 'More' button.
Look under the 'Appearances' box, select your currently active signature appearance, and click 'Edit'.
Check the common name shown in the preview window. Ensure the 'Name' checkbox is selected under 'Configure Text'. If the preview still shows the computer name, you must verify your digital ID settings or recreate the ID with the correct common name.
Create and Manage Digital Signatures Seamlessly with WPS PDF
If you are struggling with complex signature configurations, WPS Office offers a straightforward and intuitive PDF tool. You can easily create, customize, and apply digital signatures to your PDF documents with just a few clicks.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF document.
- 2. Access the Protect Tab: Navigate to the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab on the top ribbon.
- 3. Create Signature: Click on 'Sign' and select 'Create Signature' to input your correct common name.
- 4. Apply to Document: Customize the appearance and click on the document to place your accurately named signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my digital signature show my computer name?
This usually happens when Acrobat relies on a default self-signed certificate generated by your operating system. These OS-level certificates often use your computer's login name or device name as the default common name.
Can I edit the common name on an existing digital ID?
No, once a digital ID is created, the common name embedded within the certificate cannot be altered. If the name is incorrect, you must create a new digital ID with the proper credentials.
Where are my digital IDs stored?
Digital IDs are typically stored as .pfx or .p12 files on your local drive, integrated into the Windows Certificate Store, or secured on a physical smart card or USB token.
