Use a PDF digital signature

After you create a digital ID and add an appearance (optional), you can sign documents, sign signature fields, and certify documents.

Signing documents

Signing documents using the Digital Signatures tool or the Sign Document menu command actually places the digital signature in a signature form field. When you use either the tool or menu command, you click and drag to define the field boundaries. Nitro then steps you through a series of windowes to add your signature to the field.

To add a digital signature to a PDF page:

1. Open a document to be signed and do one of the following:
• Select the Digital Signatures tool.
• Select Document > Digital Signatures > Sign Document.
2. Click and drag on the desired signature location and area on the PDF page.
3. Click Continue Signing in the Nitro PDF Professional window.
4. Choose either of the following options and click OK:
• Windows^® Certificate Security. This kind of signature does not require a password, as your digital ID will be protected by your Windows^® login.
• PDF Self-Sign Security. This will require you to select a User Profile. This can either be imported or created on the spot.
5. If you don't have an ID open, the Self-Sign Security Log In window opens where you need to provide your password and sign in. Click OK and you arrive at the Self-Sign Security - Sign Document window.
6. Enter your password and select an appearance (optional) from the Signature Appearance drop down menu.



7. Click Save As. If you want to overwrite your existing file, click Save. Either choice produces a digitally signed PDF.

Signing form fields

Digital signatures can be applied to signature form fields. Instead of creating a place to sign a document, you just click the form field to add your signature.

To sign a document using a digital signature field:

1. Open a document containing a signature field.
2. Select the Hand tool and click the signature field.
3. Choose either of the following options and click OK:
• Windows^® Certificate Security. This kind of signature does not require a password, as your digital ID will be protected by your Windows^® login.
• PDF Self-Sign Security. This will require you to select a User Profile. This can either be imported or created on the spot.
4. If you don't have an ID open, the Self-Sign Security Log In window opens where you need to provide your password and sign in. Click OK and you arrive at the Self-Sign Security - Sign Document window.
5. Enter your password and select an appearance (optional) from the Signature Appearance drop down menu.
6. Click Save As. If you want to overwrite your existing file, click Save. Either choice produces a digitally signed PDF.

Related info: Nitro Pro 5 Help

Digital signatures in PDF files
Digitally signing a PDF file
View & validate signatures in PDF files
How to secure and lock PDF files

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