How to Edit a Signed PDF (Complete Guide)
There are a few different approaches you can take if you need to edit a signed PDF. With the right tools, you can easily make changes to a signed PDF without invalidating the signature. Here is a look at editing a signed PDF.
Table of Contents
What is a Digitally Signed PDF Document?
Digital signatures are among the most widely used methods of file security, and for good reason—they are renown for being challenging to forge. As a result, governments and law firms all over the world have long acknowledged their validity. Digital signatures are incredibly useful for two main reasons: they confirm the identity of the person who signed the document and act as an insurance policy in case someone tries to alter the PDF’s contents.
In more concrete terms, this means that all editing options in your preferred editing program would be grayed out if you were to open a digitally signed PDF right now.
And even if you somehow manage to outsmart the software and edit a signed PDF, you will irreversibly invalidate the signature, letting others know that the file has been tampered with and that the information it contains is no longer trustworthy.
So, what can you actually do if you are handed a digitally signed document?
Viewing & Printing Works
Probably goes without saying, but you can still search through a document as easily as you would a normal PDF. The only reading mode that isn’t available for free is the one that allows you to bookmark pages for later use. You can always print out the PDF file and use the traditional pen and paper method if you want to edit texts directly. Then, at your next team meeting, you could present your improvised draft and have a thorough discussion about it.
You Can Add Your Own Digital Signatures
When approving a standard operating procedure document, for example, a file may occasionally need to be digitally signed by a number of individuals. If that’s the case and you happen to be one of the people on this list, don’t worry—you can still digitally sign the document with PDF Extra even if you aren’t authorized to make changes. Okay, how do I sign a PDF that has already been signed?
All you have to do is follow these three simple steps:
1. Go to “Protect” → “Digitally Sign”.
2. Wherever you want to add your digital signature, add a signature box to the PDF, as shown below.
3. Choose your signature from the dropdown menu and click “Sign”.
Why Do We Need to Edit Signed PDFs?
Important business documents from publications, businesses, and industry professionals are frequently stored as PDFs. Although it can be challenging, editing PDF files is a requirement for businesses. The following are typical scenarios that call for editing.
- For fixing errors– Editing is required if the form contains a typographical error or an incorrect signature that needs to be corrected.
- Adding comments– In some cases, the document owner needs to comment on a PDF to introduce small but important additional information to the readers. This requires editing.
- Inserting important notes– Businesses must include comments in signed PDF files that contain information that the receiving party needs to refer to, such as payment invoices or legal stipulations.
Simple Steps When Editing
- Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Click on the “Edit” menu and select “Sign Document”
- Click on the “Place Signature” button and select the location where you want to place your signature
- Type your name in the “Name” field and click the “Sign” button
- Save the PDF with your signature
Collaboration is a Practical Option
Just because editing functionalities are off the table with digitally signed documents doesn’t mean that you can’t freely collaborate with your colleagues on a project. With PDF Extra, for instance, you can still leave comments, highlight texts in custom colors, take snapshots, insert text boxes, add rectangles and other geometric shapes, and even include pre-made stamps, such as “Void”, “Approved”, or “For Public Release”.
Finally, you can also attach external files to the document. This includes various images or even other PDF files in case you want to send over pertinent supporting material or simply clarify something in more detail without having to write a comment the size of a mini novel.
Convert to Other File Formats
If for some reason you need to convert a digitally signed PDF to any other common file format, like Word or a JPEG, PDF Extra has you covered. Once you’ve opened your file, simply head to the “Convert” tab, where you will be presented with the options to export a PDF to Word, Excel, Epub, or as an image (both JPEG and PNG are supported). Once the conversion is complete, you’ll discover that everything is fashionable and flawlessly formatted, just as you remember it.
Conclusion
Overall, editing signed PDF files can be challenging, but the tools at hand make it easier. Each one has beneficial characteristics, such as the EaseUS PDF Editor’s range of PDF editing tools. It is easy to use for both experienced users and new users, handles the process quickly, and ensures multiple edits.
FAQs
In order to edit a PDF, how do I unlock it?
There are a few different methods you can use if you need to edit a signed PDF. One choice is to use a PDF editor that supports signing, like Foxit PhantomPDF or Adobe Acrobat. This will enable you to edit the PDF without voiding the signature. Another option is to use a PDF converter tool to convert the PDF into an editable format like Word or Excel. You can make the necessary changes once the file is in an editable format, then convert it back to a PDF. Contrary to using a PDF editor, this option is typically faster and simpler. The best choice is to use a PDF editor that supports signing if you need to make changes to a PDF that has already been signed. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments without nullifying the signature. Popular choices include Foxit PhantomPDF and Adobe Acrobat.
Is a Signed PDF a Binding Document?
Yes, signed PDFs have legal force in the various international jurisdictions that recognize electronic signatures as having legal force. For example, all states of the United States of America consider e-signatures valid. It is regarded as legal in many other industrialized countries as well. Verify by checking specific national laws.
How to Add a Signature to a PDF
- Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Click on Fill & Sign in the Tools panel on the right.
- Click Sign, and then select Add Signature.
- A popup will open — Type, Draw, and Image. Select one and click Apply.
- Drag, resize and position the signature inside your PDF file.
Can digitally signed PDF be edited?
When you sign a PDF using your digital ID, the PDF becomes read-only for others. If you received a PDF digitally signed by others, you can sign it, but can’t edit it. While signing a PDF, if the signer chooses to lock the document after signing, the document becomes read-only for everyone, including the signer.
