Adding a Second Signature to Adobe Acrobat: A Pro’s Guide

Need to add multiple signatures to a single document in Adobe Acrobat? Not a problem. While Acrobat doesn’t offer a direct “add another signature” button per se, there are straightforward methods to achieve this using its robust tools. This article will walk you through the process and answer frequently asked questions, ensuring you can confidently manage signatures in your PDFs.

The Core Method: Using Fill & Sign and Acrobat Sign

The primary way to add another signature involves leveraging the Fill & Sign tool or the more advanced Acrobat Sign functionality.

Using Fill & Sign for Basic Signatures

1. Open Your PDF: Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the PDF document you need to sign.

2. Access Fill & Sign: In the right-hand pane, look for the “Fill & Sign” tool. If you don’t see it, you can add it via the “Tools” tab at the top.

3. Choose the Sign Tool: Once Fill & Sign is active, click on the “Sign” option in the toolbar.

4. Add Your Existing Signature or Create a New One: If you have a saved signature, it will appear. You can click on it to place it in the document. If not, you’ll be prompted to create a new one. You can draw, type, or upload an image of your signature.

5. Position the Signature: Click where you want to place the signature. You can then resize and reposition it as needed.

6. Repeat for Additional Signatures: Now, this is the key. To add another signature, simply repeat steps 3-5. The “Sign” tool will remember your last signature (or offer you the chance to create a new one) allowing multiple placements on the same document. Each signature is treated as a separate, independent object.

Using Acrobat Sign for Advanced Digital Signatures

For legally binding, digitally certified signatures, Acrobat Sign is the way to go. This method provides a higher level of security and authentication. Note: Acrobat Sign often requires a subscription.

1. Open Your PDF: Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat.

2. Access Acrobat Sign: Go to the “Tools” tab and select “Acrobat Sign”. If you don’t see it, you may need to download and install the plugin.

3. Request Signatures: Click on “Request Signatures.”

4. Add Recipients: Enter the email addresses of all the signers, including yourself if you need to sign first. You can specify the order in which the signatures are required.

5. Prepare the Document: Acrobat Sign will open a window where you can drag and drop signature fields, initial fields, date fields, and other form elements for each signer. Assign each field to the correct recipient.

6. Place Your Signature (If Required): If you are also signing, place your signature field in the desired location.

7. Send for Signatures: Click “Send.” Each recipient will receive an email with a link to sign the document electronically. Acrobat Sign tracks the signing progress and provides a legally binding audit trail.

8. Subsequent Signatures: Subsequent signers will receive notifications to sign the document as per the workflow you defined.

Important Considerations

• Flattening the PDF: Once all signatures are added, you may want to flatten the PDF to prevent accidental modifications. Go to “File” > “Print” > Select “Adobe PDF” as the printer > Print. This creates a new, flattened version of the PDF with the signatures embedded.

• Security: For sensitive documents, ensure you are using digital signatures (Acrobat Sign) with appropriate security settings and certificates.

• Visual Clarity: Avoid overlapping signatures or placing them in areas that obscure important content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add a signature created in another program to Adobe Acrobat?

Yes, you can. Save your signature as an image (PNG with a transparent background is ideal) and then use the Fill & Sign tool to upload the image as your signature.

2. How do I remove a signature I’ve added in Adobe Acrobat?

With Fill & Sign signatures (not digital signatures from Acrobat Sign), you can simply click on the signature and press the “Delete” key or right-click and choose “Delete”. For digital signatures created with Acrobat Sign, you typically need to invalidate the signature or revert to a previous version of the document (if available). Invalidation may require specific permissions and impact the document’s legal validity.

3. Is it possible to require multiple signatures in a specific order?

Yes, using Acrobat Sign allows you to define a specific signing order. When setting up the signature request, you can add recipients and assign them an order. Acrobat Sign will then route the document to each recipient in the specified sequence.

4. Can I add a timestamp to each signature?

When using Acrobat Sign for digital signatures, timestamps are automatically included as part of the digital certificate. This provides a verifiable record of when each signature was applied. Basic signatures added using Fill & Sign do not have automatic timestamps.

5. What’s the difference between Fill & Sign and Acrobat Sign?

Fill & Sign is a basic tool for adding informal signatures and filling out forms. Acrobat Sign is a more advanced service for creating legally binding digital signatures with authentication, audit trails, and compliance features. Fill & Sign is sufficient for many everyday uses, while Acrobat Sign is necessary for situations where legal validity and security are paramount.

6. How do I ensure my digital signature is legally valid?

To ensure legal validity, use Acrobat Sign with a qualified digital certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). The certificate should comply with relevant legal standards (e.g., eIDAS in Europe). This provides strong authentication and non-repudiation, meaning the signer cannot deny having signed the document.

7. Can I add signatures to a PDF on my mobile device?

Yes, both Adobe Acrobat Reader mobile app and Adobe Sign mobile app allow you to add signatures to PDFs. The functionality is similar to the desktop version, allowing you to draw, type, or upload signatures.

8. How can I protect my signature from being misused?

Use strong passwords for your Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Sign accounts. Consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. Avoid saving your signature image on public computers or sharing it insecurely. With Acrobat Sign, the digital certificate provides a high level of protection against forgery.

9. What happens if a digital signature is invalidated?

If a digital signature is invalidated, it means the signature is no longer considered trustworthy. This can happen if the certificate has expired, been revoked, or if the document has been altered after the signature was applied. Invalidation raises a red flag and indicates that the document’s integrity may be compromised.

10. Can I customize the appearance of the signature field in Acrobat Sign?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of the signature field in Acrobat Sign. You can change the size, color, and font of the field. You can also add instructions or prompts for the signer.

11. How do I know if a PDF has been digitally signed?

Adobe Acrobat will display a blue ribbon or checkmark in the signature panel when a PDF has been digitally signed and the signature is valid. Clicking on the signature will provide details about the signer and the validity of the certificate.

12. What if I need to add a signature to a read-only PDF?

If a PDF is truly read-only and doesn’t allow any modifications, you won’t be able to add a signature directly. You may need to request an editable version of the document. However, some PDFs may appear read-only due to security settings that restrict certain actions like editing but still allow signing. In such cases, using Fill & Sign might work.