How to Create a Custom Dynamic PDF Stamp with User, Date, and Time
Question details
The user needs to create a customized dynamic PDF stamp that automatically displays a signature, 'Received by' text along with the user's name, and the current date and time.
- Product
- PDF Editors
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Approving or acknowledging receipt of PDF documents with a personalized, time-stamped signature.
- Observed behavior
- A customized dynamic stamp needs to be generated and applied to automatically capture the user identity and current timestamp directly on the document.
Ensure you have access to a PDF editor with form preparation and JavaScript capabilities, as generating a fully custom dynamic stamp requires inserting calculating text fields into a base PDF template.
Create a Dynamic Stamp Using Adobe Acrobat JavaScript
Use Adobe Acrobat's custom stamp tool and form fields powered by JavaScript to automatically pull the user's identity and system time.
To create a dynamic stamp, you must first design the static elements (like your signature and the words 'Received by') on a blank PDF, and then overlay dynamic form fields that calculate the date, time, and user identity via JavaScript.
Design your stamp layout in a program like Word or Illustrator, including your signature and static text. Save this document as a PDF.
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, navigate to Tools, and select 'Prepare Form'. Add text fields in the areas where you want the dynamic username, date, and time to appear.
Right-click the text field for the date/time, select 'Properties', go to the 'Calculate' tab, and choose 'Custom calculation script'. Enter the required Acrobat JavaScript code to fetch the current date and time.
Save this configured PDF file directly into your local Acrobat stamps folder. This registers the file as an available stamp.
Open the document you want to stamp, go to the 'Comment' tools, click the 'Stamp' icon, find your newly created custom stamp under the relevant category, and click to apply it.
Use Built-in Dynamic Stamps in Standard PDF Editors
If you do not want to use JavaScript, you can use pre-configured dynamic stamps available in most standard PDF editing software.
Add Custom and Dynamic Stamps Effortlessly with WPS PDF
WPS Office provides a highly intuitive PDF editor that allows you to easily insert standard dynamic stamps, create custom text and image stamps, and manage document approvals without writing complex scripts.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document that requires your signature and time stamp.
- 2. Access the Stamp tool: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab located on the top ribbon and click on the 'Stamp' icon.
- 3. Choose a dynamic stamp: Select an appropriate template from the 'Dynamic' stamp category to automatically insert the current date, time, and your configured user name.
- 4. Add a custom signature: If you need a specific signature image, click 'Click to Add' under Custom Stamps, upload your signature file, and apply it next to your dynamic stamp.
- 5. Apply and save: Click anywhere on the PDF page to drop the stamp in place, resize it as needed, and save your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the date and time on my dynamic stamp incorrect?
Dynamic stamps pull the date and time directly from your local system clock. Ensure your computer's timezone, date, and time settings are configured correctly in your operating system.
Can I edit a custom dynamic stamp after applying it?
Once placed, the stamp becomes a single flattened annotation object on the page. You can resize or delete it, but to change the text layout or JavaScript, you must edit the original source stamp file and reapply it.
How do I change the user name that appears on my dynamic stamp?
The user name is pulled from your PDF software's identity settings. In your PDF editor, go to Preferences or Options, locate the 'Identity' or 'User Info' section, and update your First and Last Name.
Do custom dynamic stamps work on mobile PDF readers?
Most mobile PDF readers can display dynamic stamps that have already been applied, but generating a new dynamic stamp containing JavaScript calculations typically requires the desktop version of a premium PDF editor.
