How to Print a Signed PDF Without Saving the Signature
Question details
The user needs to add a temporary signature to a PDF form and print it without saving the changes to the original file.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader / PDF Editors
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Signing and printing a PDF document temporarily without retaining the signature on the local file.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to print the signed form while keeping the original template blank, preventing the creation of multiple signed copies.
Ensure your printer is properly connected and has enough ink and paper before proceeding so that you do not lose your temporary signature due to a printing error.
Print the Signed PDF Directly Without Saving in Acrobat Reader
Add your signature using the Fill & Sign tool, then print immediately and discard the changes upon closing.
This method uses the standard Adobe Acrobat Reader application to apply a drawn or typed signature. By utilizing the print function before exiting, you can generate a physical copy of the signed form without permanently altering your original digital template.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader and open the PDF form you need to sign.
Click on 'Fill & Sign' in the right pane or under the Tools menu. Select 'Sign yourself' to add your drawn or typed signature to the appropriate field.
Navigate to File > Print, or press Ctrl+P (Windows) / Cmd+P (Mac). Ensure your printer settings are correct and click 'Print'.
After the document has successfully printed, close the PDF file. When prompted to save your changes, click 'No' or 'Don't Save' to keep the original file unsigned.
Easily Sign and Print PDFs Using WPS Office
WPS Office features a lightweight, robust PDF reader that allows you to quickly insert signatures, fill out forms, and print documents seamlessly. You can easily execute temporary signing without forcing changes to the original file.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF template you wish to sign and print.
- 2. Insert your signature: Go to the 'Insert' or 'Fill & Sign' tab, select 'Sign', and create or insert your signature onto the document.
- 3. Print the document directly: Click the Print icon in the top toolbar or press Ctrl+P. Adjust your printing preferences and print the file.
- 4. Discard the changes: Close the document tab. When the save prompt appears, select 'Don't Save' to leave your original PDF template unaltered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF automatically save when I add a signature?
If you are using a digital certificate-based signature (like Adobe Sign), the software requires you to save the document to cryptographically seal and validate it. For a temporary printout, use a simple drawn or typed 'Fill & Sign' signature instead, which does not force an automatic save.
Can I remove a signature from a PDF after I've already saved it?
If the document was saved with a standard drawn signature, you can usually select the signature using a PDF editor and delete it. However, if the document was signed with a certified digital ID, the document is locked to prevent tampering, and the signature cannot be removed.
Will a temporarily signed PDF still print in high quality?
Yes. As long as you place the signature correctly and your printer settings are optimized, the printed document will retain full quality, regardless of whether you save the digital file afterward.
