Which Adobe Product Supports PDF Printing and Digital Signatures?
Question details
The user needs to identify the correct Adobe software that allows printing documents to PDF format and applying secure digital signatures.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Selecting the right PDF software for creating PDFs via a virtual printer and adding verifiable digital signatures.
- Observed behavior
- Looking for a single Adobe application or service that combines both PDF creation and digital signing capabilities, as basic versions fall short.
Determine whether you need to apply a personal digital signature to your own files locally, or if you need to route documents to clients for legally binding electronic signatures.
Use a Paid Version of Adobe Acrobat (Pro or Standard)
Adobe Acrobat's paid versions provide the complete toolset required for printing to PDF and applying certificate-based digital signatures.
While the free Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to view PDFs and add simple drawn signatures, it lacks the system-level 'Adobe PDF' virtual printer and advanced digital certificate capabilities.
Upgrading to Adobe Acrobat Standard or Pro installs the virtual printer on your system and unlocks the 'Certificates' tool for highly secure, legally binding signatures.
Open the source document in its native application (like Word or Excel), click 'File' > 'Print', select 'Adobe PDF' from the printer dropdown, and click 'Print' to generate the PDF.
Open the newly created PDF in Adobe Acrobat, navigate to the 'Tools' tab, and click on 'Certificates'.
Click 'Digitally Sign' on the top toolbar, click and drag to draw a signature box on the document, and select your digital ID from the prompt to sign the file.
Utilize Adobe Acrobat Sign for External Routing
Ideal for business workflows where you need to request electronic signatures from multiple remote recipients.
Use WPS Office to Print and Sign PDFs Seamlessly
WPS Office offers a comprehensive, lightweight, and cost-effective alternative to Adobe Acrobat. You can easily print any document to PDF and apply secure signatures within a single, familiar interface.
- 1. Convert to PDF: Open your document in WPS Office, navigate to the 'Menu' tab, and click 'Export to PDF' to instantly create a PDF file.
- 2. Open the PDF File: Open the generated PDF document using the built-in WPS PDF editor.
- 3. Add Your Signature: Go to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Comment' tab, click on 'Sign', and create or insert your secure digital signature into the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print to PDF and digitally sign using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader?
No. Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to view PDFs and add basic text or drawn signatures, but it does not include the system-level 'Adobe PDF' virtual printer or advanced digital certificate signing features. You need a paid version like Acrobat Standard or Pro.
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
An electronic signature is a broad term for any electronic process indicating acceptance, such as typing your name or drawing a signature. A digital signature is a specific, highly secure type of e-signature backed by a cryptographic digital certificate that proves the signer's identity and ensures the document has not been altered.
Does WPS Office support digital signatures on PDFs?
Yes, WPS Office includes comprehensive PDF tools that allow you to add, manage, and verify signatures on your PDF documents, offering a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to other premium PDF software.
Is Adobe Acrobat Sign a standalone product?
Yes, Adobe Acrobat Sign can be purchased as a standalone cloud-based service for enterprise-level document routing, though basic e-signature capabilities are also integrated directly into Adobe Acrobat Pro.
