How to Remove an Unwanted Approved Stamp Instead of a Signature in Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to remove an 'Approved' stamp that mistakenly appears instead of their selected image signature when trying to sign a PDF document.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat XI Standard
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to place a custom image signature onto a signature line within a PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- An 'Approved' stamp is inserted onto the signature line instead of the user's intended image signature.
Ensure your PDF document is not restricted or locked against editing, as this will prevent you from selecting, modifying, or deleting annotations and stamps.
Delete the Stamp via the Selection Tool
Quickly remove the unwanted stamp directly from the document page using the basic selection tool.
In most cases, the 'Approved' stamp is inserted as a standalone object. Using the standard selection tool allows you to easily target and remove it from the page.
Click the Selection tool (the arrow icon) from the top toolbar in Acrobat.
Click directly on the 'Approved' stamp that appeared on the signature line. A bounding box should appear around it.
Press the 'Delete' or 'Backspace' key on your keyboard to remove the stamp from the document.
Remove the Stamp using the Comments Panel
Use this method if the stamp is embedded as an annotation layer and cannot be clicked directly on the page.
Update or Repair Adobe Acrobat Installation
If Acrobat keeps placing stamps instead of signatures, repairing the installation can fix underlying software glitches causing the wrong tool to trigger.
Sign and Edit PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
Avoid software glitches and confusing signature tools. WPS Office provides a straightforward PDF editor that lets you easily insert custom image signatures, manage annotations, and edit PDF text without dealing with unexpected stamps.
- 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 'Insert' or 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Sign'.
- 3. Create your Signature: Select 'Create Signature' to securely upload your custom image signature or draw a new one.
- 4. Place the Signature: Click exactly where you want the signature to appear on the document, cleanly and without unexpected stamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an 'Approved' stamp appearing instead of my image signature?
This usually happens if the Stamp tool was accidentally selected instead of the Signature tool, or if an underlying software glitch in Acrobat defaults to the last used stamp annotation rather than your uploaded image.
How do I ensure my image signature is saved correctly for future use?
Use the dedicated 'Fill & Sign' feature in your PDF editor to upload your image. Check the option to save the signature to your profile so it remains the default tool for signing documents.
Can I flatten a PDF to prevent signatures and stamps from being deleted?
Yes. By using a 'Print to PDF' feature or selecting a 'Flatten Document' option, all interactive elements like stamps and signatures merge permanently into the document background and cannot be selected or deleted.
