How to Let Users E-Sign a PDF Without a Digital ID
Question details
The user wants to distribute a PDF document for electronic signatures without forcing employees or signers to set up a certificate-based digital ID.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Distributing a PDF form to team members or clients to collect signatures quickly and easily.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking a hassle-free method to collect electronic signatures without the technical hurdle and setup process of certificate-based digital IDs.
Ensure your PDF document is finalized and all necessary form fields are added before sending it out for signatures.
Use Adobe Acrobat Sign to Collect E-Signatures
By utilizing Acrobat Sign instead of certificate-based digital signature fields, signers can easily sign without needing a digital ID.
Acrobat Sign is an electronic signature solution that allows users to sign documents online securely without creating a certificate-based digital ID.
Note that converting standard AcroForms to Acrobat Sign forms may result in the loss of some advanced features like JavaScript calculations or specific custom button actions.
Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat and select the 'Prepare Form' tool from the right-hand pane.
Ensure the electronic signature option is enabled for your form instead of standard digital signature fields.
If you have an existing AcroForm, click 'More' in the toolbar and select 'Convert to Acrobat Sign Form'.
Distribute the form to your signers. They will receive a link to sign the document electronically via their browser without needing a digital ID.
Easily Sign and Send PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a lightweight and intuitive PDF tool that allows you and your team to easily add electronic signatures to documents. You can draw, type, or upload an image of your signature without the hassle of setting up digital IDs.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you need to sign.
- 2. Access the Signature tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Insert' tab and click on 'Sign' followed by 'Create Signature'.
- 3. Create your signature: Choose to draw your signature with your mouse or trackpad, type your name, or upload an image of your signature.
- 4. Place the signature: Drag and drop the created signature onto the appropriate signature line in the PDF document.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
An electronic signature is a digital representation of a handwritten signature, used to indicate agreement. A digital signature is highly secure and uses a certificate-based digital ID to encrypt the document and verify the signer's identity.
Why do some PDF forms require a digital ID to sign?
If the PDF creator added a specific 'Digital Signature' field instead of a standard e-signature block, the PDF reader will automatically prompt the user to create or select a certificate-based digital ID to complete the signing process.
Can users sign a PDF on their mobile phones without a digital ID?
Yes. By using electronic signature tools like Acrobat Sign or the WPS Office mobile app, users can easily draw their signature directly on their touchscreen without generating a digital ID.
