Why Adobe Acrobat Cannot Clear a Signature on an Older PDF
Question details
The user is unable to clear a digital signature in Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 on a document previously signed with Acrobat DC because the option is missing.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to remove or clear an existing digital signature from a PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- The Clear Signature option does not appear or is unavailable for documents signed using an older or different version of Acrobat.
Verify whether you are the original signer of the document, as you can typically only clear a digital signature if you placed it yourself and have the corresponding digital ID installed.
Check PDF Restrictions and Clear the Signature
Determine if the document is locked or certified, which prevents signature removal, and clear it if permissions allow.
Digital signatures can only be cleared if the signature field remains editable. If the document was certified or locked by the original signer using Acrobat DC, subsequent edits—including clearing signatures—are strictly restricted in Acrobat Pro 2020.
Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the signed PDF document.
Right-click the digital signature field you want to remove.
Click the 'Clear Signature' option. If it is grayed out or completely missing, the document has been permanently locked or certified.
To check the exact permissions, go to 'File' > 'Properties' and click on the 'Security' tab to review the document's restriction summary.
Revert to an Unsigned Copy of the PDF
If the PDF is permanently locked, you must use a previous version or recreate the form.
Easily Manage and Sign PDFs with WPS Office
Avoid complex version compatibility issues by using WPS Office. WPS PDF offers highly intuitive tools to read, edit, securely sign, and manage your PDF documents without unnecessary limitations.
- 1. Open your file in WPS PDF: Download and launch WPS Office, then open your PDF document using the WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Navigate to protection tools: Click on the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab located on the top navigation ribbon.
- 3. Manage your signatures: Use the signature tools to insert, modify, or securely manage your digital signatures without compatibility bottlenecks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Clear Signature' option grayed out in Acrobat?
The option is grayed out if you do not have the digital ID used to sign the document installed on your device, or if the document was certified and locked against further changes immediately after signing.
Can I remove someone else's digital signature from a PDF?
No, for strict security and legal reasons, you cannot remove a digital signature applied by another user. You must ask the original signer to remove it or request an unsigned copy of the document.
Does locking a PDF after signing prevent all future edits?
Yes, checking the 'Lock document after signing' option permanently disables all editing capabilities, including the ability to add new signatures, clear existing signatures, or alter text.
