How to Use Multiple Digital Signatures in an Adobe Acrobat PDF
Question details
The user needs to set up a PDF document that allows multiple people to sign it sequentially, ensuring that the document's content remains protected while each new signature does not invalidate the previous ones.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Routing a standard operating procedure or similar document for review and signature by five or six different individuals in sequence.
- Observed behavior
- The goal state is for the document to permit additional form filling and digital signatures, while any changes to the core text or images will successfully invalidate the existing certification and signatures.
Ensure you have your PDF software installed and that all intended signers are aware of the sequential signing process to prevent accidental document locking.
Use the 'Certify with Visible Signature' Feature in Adobe Acrobat
Certifying the document sets specific permissions, allowing subsequent signers to apply their digital signatures without Adobe Acrobat treating those signatures as unauthorized edits.
When routing a document to multiple signers, applying a standard digital signature first might lock the document completely. By certifying the document initially and setting the correct permissions, you can allow sequential signing while keeping the core content protected from unauthorized edits.
Create your document in a word processor (like Microsoft Word) and convert or save it as a PDF.
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat. Go to the 'Forms' or 'Tools' menu and select the option to 'Add or Edit Fields'. Place enough signature fields for all required signers (e.g., five or six fields).
Right-click the very first signature field and select 'Certify with Visible Signature'. If using a newer version of Acrobat, you can also use the 'Certificates' tool and choose 'Certify (Visible)'.
In the Certify Document dialog, locate the 'Permitted Actions after Certifying' dropdown menu. Select 'Form Fill-in and Digital Signatures' to ensure the document accepts further signatures without breaking the certification.
Apply your initial signature, save the PDF, and send it sequentially to the next person in your workflow. Each signer can now add their signature until the workflow is complete.
Sign and Manage PDF Documents Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF toolkit that allows you to seamlessly view, edit, fill out forms, and insert multiple signatures into your documents without the need for expensive standalone PDF software.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office, select the PDF editor tool, and open the document you need signed.
- 2. Access the Sign feature: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon and click on the 'Sign' button.
- 3. Create and apply your signature: Draw, type, or import an image of your signature. Place it into the required field in the document.
- 4. Save and share: Save the signed PDF document and forward it to the remaining reviewers so they can add their respective signatures in sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do subsequent digital signatures invalidate the first signature in my PDF?
If the first signer applies a standard digital signature that locks the document, any subsequent additions (including other signatures) are detected as unauthorized changes by the PDF reader. To prevent this, the document must be 'Certified' with permissions explicitly set to allow additional form fill-ins and digital signatures.
What is the difference between a standard digital signature and a certified document?
A standard digital signature confirms the identity of the signer and ensures the document hasn't changed since signing. Certifying a document (usually done by the document's author) establishes specific rules for what changes, such as adding more signatures or filling form fields, are allowed without invalidating the certification.
Do I need Adobe Acrobat Pro to certify a PDF document?
Yes, certifying a PDF with specific restriction rules generally requires Adobe Acrobat Standard or Pro. However, standard users or users of free alternatives can still sign the fields once the document has been properly certified and routed by the creator.
