How to Fix Cannot Add or Edit Signatures in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user is unable to add new signatures or edit existing ones using the Sign tool in Adobe Acrobat because the option to create additional signatures is missing.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign a PDF document using the Fill & Sign tool when existing signatures are already saved.
- Observed behavior
- The Sign tool only displays two previously saved signatures and hides the option to create or edit any additional signatures due to an inherent software limit.
Before modifying your signature list, verify that the PDF document is not restricted or read-only, as security permissions can prevent you from using the Fill & Sign tool entirely.
Delete an Existing Signature to Add a New One
Adobe Acrobat limits the Fill & Sign tool to a maximum of two saved signatures (usually one signature and one initial). You must delete an existing entry to make room for a new one.
The most common reason users cannot add a new signature in Adobe Acrobat is that the software has a strict limit on saved signatures in the Fill & Sign tool. By removing one of the currently saved signatures, the software will automatically restore the 'Add Signature' option.
Launch Adobe Acrobat, open your PDF document, and click on the 'Sign' icon or select 'Fill & Sign' from the right-hand tools pane.
Click on 'Sign Yourself' at the top of the document window to reveal the dropdown menu showing your currently saved signatures.
Hover your mouse cursor over one of the existing signatures. Click the 'Minus' (-) or 'Delete' icon that appears next to it.
Once the old signature is deleted, the 'Add Signature' or 'Add Initials' button will reappear. Click it to type, draw, or upload your new signature.
Verify Document Security and Signing Permissions
If the Fill & Sign tools are completely greyed out, the document author may have restricted signing or editing.
Easily Add and Manage Multiple Signatures with WPS Office
Bypass restrictive saved signature limits by switching to WPS Office. The built-in WPS PDF tool offers comprehensive and flexible features to create, save, and apply multiple signatures or initials to your documents effortlessly.
- 1. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you need to sign.
- 2. Access PDF Sign Tools: Navigate to the 'Insert' or 'Fill & Sign' tab on the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Create a Signature: Click on 'Sign' and select 'Create Signature'. You can draw, type, or upload an image of your signature.
- 4. Apply to Document: Save the signature and click anywhere on the document to place it. Resize or move it as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Add Signature option completely missing or greyed out?
This usually occurs if the PDF is secured with editing restrictions or if it is a certified document that prevents further modifications. You can check these permissions under File > Properties > Security in your PDF reader.
Can I save more than two signatures in Adobe Fill & Sign?
No, Adobe Acrobat's Fill & Sign feature restricts users to saving only one full signature and one set of initials at a time. To add a different one, you must manually delete an existing entry.
How do I delete a saved signature from Adobe Acrobat?
Click the 'Sign Yourself' button in the top toolbar to open the dropdown menu, hover your cursor over the signature you want to remove, and click the minus (-) icon that appears next to it.
Are there free alternatives for signing PDFs without signature limits?
Yes, you can use alternative PDF editors like WPS Office, which provide robust Fill & Sign capabilities with high format compatibility, allowing you to easily sign contracts and forms.
