How to Use Certificate Signatures Instead of Fill & Sign in Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to apply a secure digital signature to a PDF that includes the date and identity information, and requires a password before signing, rather than just a basic cursive name.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Signing a PDF document securely with verified identity details.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to transition from using the standard Fill & Sign tool to a certificate-based signature workflow.
Ensure you have a valid digital ID (either created locally in Acrobat or obtained from a trusted third-party certificate authority) ready to use for signing.
Use the Certificates Tool to Digitally Sign
Switch from the basic Fill & Sign tool to the Certificates tool to apply a password-protected, detailed digital signature.
To include identity details, a timestamp, and enforce password protection when signing, you must use Adobe Acrobat's certificate-based signature feature rather than the visual Fill & Sign tool.
Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat, navigate to the 'Tools' menu, and select 'Certificates'.
Click 'Digitally Sign' on the top toolbar. Read the prompt instructing you to draw an area for the signature and click 'OK'.
Click and drag your mouse to draw a signature box where you want your secure signature to appear on the page.
A dialogue box will appear. Select your existing digital ID. If you don't have one, choose 'Configure New Digital ID' to create a password-protected certificate.
Enter the password associated with your digital ID when prompted, then click 'Sign' to save the certified document.
Use WPS Office to Add Certificate-Based Digital Signatures
WPS Office provides a robust PDF editor that allows you to securely sign documents using certificate-based digital IDs, ensuring your signature includes identity details and timestamp information.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file you need to digitally sign.
- 2. Access Protection Tools: Navigate to the 'Protect' tab located on the top ribbon.
- 3. Select Digital Signature: Click on 'Digital Signature' or 'Sign Document' depending on your specific version.
- 4. Apply Certificate: Draw the signature field, select or import your digital certificate, and enter your password.
- 5. Save the Signed PDF: Confirm the signature application and save the securely signed PDF document to your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Fill & Sign and a Certificate Signature?
Fill & Sign is primarily for drawing or typing a visual representation of your signature. A certificate-based signature uses a digital ID to cryptographically bind your identity to the document, which can include a timestamp and requires a password for added security.
How do I create a new digital ID for signing PDFs?
When you select 'Digitally Sign' using the Certificates tool, the software will prompt you to choose an ID. You can select 'Configure New Digital ID' to generate a self-signed certificate directly on your computer, which will be protected by a password you set.
Why is my PDF signature not showing the date?
Standard visual signatures added via Fill & Sign do not automatically include dates. To include a verified date and identity details, you must use the Certificates tool to apply a digital signature instead.
Can I require a password every time I sign a document?
Yes, when you create a digital ID, you can protect it with a password. Whenever you select that digital ID to apply a certificate signature, the software will require you to enter that password before the signature is finalized.
