How to Digitally Sign a PDF Agreement by Two People
Question details
The user wants to know how two different parties can digitally sign the same PDF agreement without relying on printing or scanning.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Finalizing a contract or agreement between a document owner and a client requiring dual signatures on the exact same document.
- Observed behavior
- Needs a workflow to set up a document that accepts two independent digital signatures seamlessly.
Ensure both parties have a digital ID or certificate ready to use, and check that the PDF document is finalized and not password-protected against modifications or form filling.
Add and Distribute Multiple Digital Signature Fields
The most effective way for two people to sign the same document is by creating dedicated signature fields for each person before distributing the file.
By inserting predefined signature fields, you ensure that the document format remains intact and each party knows exactly where to apply their digital certificate. The document is signed sequentially, maintaining the integrity of the first signature when the second is applied.
Open your PDF editor (like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat) and navigate to the 'Form' or 'Prepare Form' tool menu.
Select the 'Digital Signature' field option from the toolbar and drag your cursor to draw the first signature box for the document owner.
Draw a second 'Digital Signature' box in the designated area where the client is supposed to sign.
Right-click each field to access 'Properties' and assign a specific name or tooltip (e.g., 'Client Signature') to clearly indicate who should sign where.
Save the PDF and send it to the client. Once they sign and return the file, open it and apply your own digital signature to the remaining field.
Easily Sign and Send PDF Agreements with WPS Office
WPS Office provides robust PDF editing and form-filling tools, making it simple to add multiple signature fields, sign documents securely, and manage contracts without printing a single page.
- 1. Open your agreement: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF agreement that needs to be signed.
- 2. Access the signing tools: Go to the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab on the top ribbon to insert a digital signature.
- 3. Apply your signature: Create or import your personal digital signature or certificate and click on the document to apply it.
- 4. Save and share: Save the signed PDF document and share it directly with the second signer via email so they can add theirs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the second signature invalidate the first one?
No, as long as you are using standard digital signature fields and only signing the document (not editing the core text), the first signature remains valid. Ensure you do not check the 'Lock document after signing' option when applying the first signature if a second one is required.
Do both people need the same PDF software to sign the agreement?
No. Standard PDF digital signature fields are highly compatible across different PDF readers, including WPS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Foxit Reader. Both parties can use their preferred software to apply their digital IDs.
Can we both sign the document at the exact same time?
Digital signing is typically a sequential process. One person must sign the document, save it, and then send the updated, signed file to the second person to add their signature. Co-authoring a file simultaneously while applying digital certificates can corrupt the signatures.
How do I know if the digital signatures on the returned PDF are valid?
When you open the signed PDF in a standard PDF viewer, a signature panel will appear or a banner will display at the top. It will indicate if the signatures are valid, if the document has been modified since signing, and provide certificate details for both signers.
