How to Create a Blank Digital Signature Field in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to add a digital signature field to a PDF document for another person to sign, bypassing the prompt that asks the document creator to sign it first.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Preparing a PDF document with signature fields meant for other users or recipients to fill out securely.
- Observed behavior
- Using the standard Place Signature option prompts the document creator to sign the PDF immediately, rather than leaving the field blank for the recipient.
Ensure you have the full version of Adobe Acrobat installed, as the free Adobe Reader application cannot create or edit form fields. Save a backup copy of your original document before adding interactive elements.
Add the Signature Field via Form Editing Mode
By adding the signature field through the Forms tool rather than the Place Signature tool, you can create a blank field specifically intended for the recipient to sign later.
The 'Place Signature' option is specifically designed for the current user to sign the document immediately. To create a blank placeholder for someone else, you must use Acrobat's built-in form editor.
In Adobe Acrobat, go to the top menu and select 'Tools', then choose 'Forms', and click on 'Edit' to enter form-editing mode.
Under the 'Tasks' pane, select 'Add New Field' and choose 'Digital Signature' from the dropdown menu. Click and drag your mouse on the document to draw the blank signature field to your desired size.
Once the field is placed, select 'Tasks' again and click 'Close Form Editing' to exit the form creation interface.
To ensure users with the free Adobe Reader can sign the document, save the file by navigating to File > Save As Other > Reader Extended PDF > Enable More Tools.
Create Fillable PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office offers an advanced built-in PDF editor that makes it incredibly easy to add blank digital signature fields, text boxes, and checkboxes to your documents. It allows you to prepare professional forms for recipients quickly and securely.
- 1. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file you wish to make fillable.
- 2. Access the Form Tab: Click on the 'Form' tab located on the top navigation ribbon to reveal the form editing tools.
- 3. Insert Signature Field: Select 'Sign Field' from the toolbar, then drag your cursor on the page to create a blank signature box.
- 4. Save and Share: Save your newly created PDF form and send it to your recipient to be digitally signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat ask me to sign immediately when I place a signature?
This happens when you use the 'Place Signature' tool, which is intended for the document creator to authorize the file right then and there. To create a blank box for someone else, you must use the Form Editing tools to add a 'Digital Signature' field instead.
Can users with the free Adobe Reader sign the blank digital signature field?
Yes, but only if the document creator has enabled specific usage rights. You must save the document as a 'Reader Extended PDF' so that free Adobe Reader users are granted the permissions required to apply their signature to the form.
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature field?
An electronic signature is generally a visual representation of a signature (like a drawn image or typed name), while a digital signature field uses a certificate-based digital ID to cryptographically bind the signature to the document, ensuring authenticity and preventing unauthorized tampering.
