How to Fix Multiple Acrobat Signatures Using the Same Image
Question details
The user needs to prevent multiple digital signatures from sharing and overwriting each other with the same handwritten image.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating and managing multiple digital signatures within a single PDF software environment.
- Observed behavior
- Three distinct digital signatures all display the exact same handwritten signature image. Modifying the image for one signature automatically alters the others because they are linked to a shared appearance profile.
Determine whether your existing signatures were set up using a single certificate-based Digital ID with multiple appearance profiles, or if you imported basic signature images, as this dictates how you must separate them.
Create Separate Appearance Profiles for a Single Digital ID
Use this solution if you want to keep one Digital ID but need different visual representations (like your initials vs. your full signature).
When multiple signatures share the same image, it usually means they are tied to a single 'Appearance' profile under your Digital ID. Editing that profile updates every signature using it. By creating distinct appearance profiles, you can switch between different handwritten images without overwriting them.
Open Adobe Acrobat Pro. Go to 'Edit' > 'Preferences' (Windows) or 'Acrobat' > 'Preferences' (Mac). Select 'Signatures' from the categories on the left.
Under the 'Creation & Appearance' section, click the 'More' button to open the settings dialog.
In the Appearances box, click 'New'. Give the profile a unique title (e.g., 'Initials' or 'Full Signature').
Under 'Configure Graphic', select 'Imported graphic', click 'File', and browse to the specific handwritten signature image you want for this profile. Click 'OK' to save.
The next time you place a digital signature, look for the 'Appearance' dropdown menu in the signing window and select the specific visual profile you wish to use.
Recreate Signatures with Distinct Digital IDs
Use this method if the signatures belong to entirely different people sharing the same computer or Acrobat application.
Use WPS PDF to Easily Manage Multiple Distinct Signatures
WPS PDF simplifies document signing by allowing you to easily create, save, and apply multiple distinct handwritten signatures without complicated digital ID profile conflicts.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you need to sign.
- 2. Navigate to the Sign tool: Click on the 'Insert' tab at the top of the screen and select 'Sign', or open the 'Fill & Sign' toolbar.
- 3. Create a unique signature: Click 'Create Signature'. You can draw, type, or import a specific image for your signature.
- 4. Save and apply: Save the new signature. WPS stores multiple signatures separately, allowing you to choose exactly which one to apply by clicking it from the signature drop-down menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does changing one signature image change them all in Acrobat?
This happens when your digital signatures are configured to use the same 'Appearance' profile. Because the signatures are essentially linking back to one central visual template, updating the image in that template automatically updates the appearance of all signatures relying on it.
Can I have multiple digital IDs in a single PDF software?
Yes. Most professional PDF applications, including Adobe Acrobat and WPS Office, allow you to create or import multiple digital IDs. This is especially useful if different users share the same device and need to sign documents securely with their own credentials.
How do I delete an old signature appearance profile?
To remove an outdated signature appearance in Acrobat, navigate to Preferences > Signatures > Creation & Appearance, and click 'More'. In the Appearances list, select the profile you no longer need and click 'Delete'.
