How to Create a Digital Signature in Adobe Acrobat Pro/Reader

Introduction:

A digital signature can verify the identity of the signer and ensure that the individual or organization claiming to have signed the document is, in fact, the one who did so. It builds trust between parties, especially in remote transactions. Today, let's explore how to create a digital signature in Adobe. You will learn all relevant information, including preparations, specific steps, and precautions.

Preparation for Creating A Digital Signature

If this is your first time signing a PDF document, please be sure to read this section. You will learn what you need to prepare to ensure that your signature is valid and legally binding.

1. Prepare a Digital ID as needed.

You can choose to create a self-signed Digital ID for personal or internal use. It can be created directly in Adobe Acrobat.
Alternatively, you can obtain a trusted Digital Certificate for official or legal purposes. It is issued by a Certificate Authority (CA), such as DigiCert, GlobalSign, or Adobe Approved Trust List (AATL) partners.

How to choose? If you need a legally binding or widely trusted signature, we recommend purchasing a digital certificate from a certificate authority (CA) such as DigiCert, GlobalSign, or Entrust.

2. Install Adobe Acrobat.

The free Adobe Acrobat Reader can help you digitally sign a PDF. However, if you need more advanced features and greater control, you can purchase Adobe Acrobat Pro.

3. Ensure that the PDF is the final version.

Please make sure the document is finalized before signing. After signing, any changes to the file will render the signature invalid.

How to Create a Digital Signature in Adobe

Check to learn how to create a digital signature in Adobe Acrobat Reader/Pro. It lets you create a digital certificate that only works on your device. However, please note that others do not trust a self-signed ID unless they manually trust your certificate. Therefore, it is useful for internal or personal signing.

1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader or Pro. Open the PDF you want to sign. Click Use a certificate under All tools.

2. Click “Digitally Sign,” and Acrobat will prompt you to draw a rectangle in the document where your signature will appear. Choose “Configure New Digital ID” to continue.

3. Then, select the “Create a new Digital ID” option and click Continue.

4. Fill in the required fields:

Name: Your full name
Organizational Unit (optional): e.g., your department
Organization Name (optional): e.g., your company
Email Address: Your email
Country/Region: Choose from the list

5. Choose whether to lock the PDF after signing or not.

6. Finally, click Sign to add the signature to the PDF.

Note: If necessary, you can add multiple signatures in Adobe. This allows you to select the appropriate signature based on your actual needs.

Is Adobe Acrobat A Good Choice to Create A Digital Signature?

Yes, Adobe Acrobat is an excellent choice for creating digital signatures. It supports industry-standard digital signatures using PKI encryption and complies with international laws such as eIDAS (EU) and ESIGN/UETA (US).

However, Adobe Acrobat also has some shortcomings. The advanced features require a paid subscription to Adobe Acrobat Pro, and the software may have high system resource requirements. For simple needs, a lightweight alternative may be easier to use.

Overall, Adobe is highly secure, legally reliable, and broadly compatible. It is a good choice for professionals and businesses. For casual users, simpler tools may suffice. If you're looking for an Adobe Acrobat alternative, please continue reading.

Create a Digital Signature with the Best Adobe Alternative

From the above, we have discussed how to create a digital signature in Adobe. As you can see, Adobe Acrobat is cumbersome. If you want a lightweight, cost-effective PDF editor that also supports digital signatures, SwifDoo PDF is the ideal choice for you.

While it doesn't offer the same enterprise-grade features as Adobe Acrobat, it does come with several distinct advantages, especially for individual users or small businesses.

Here is how to use SwifDoo PDF to create digital signatures:

1. Install SwifDoo PDF and launch it.

SwifDoo PDF

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2. Open the PDF you want to sign in SwifDoo PDF. Click Protect and go to Digital Signature. Select a place to put the signature.

3. Then, click the New ID option to configure the signature.

4. Finally, click Sign to confirm.

Benefits of Using SwifDoo PDF to Create Digital Signatures

✅ Supports Both E-signatures and Digital Signatures

It lets you create and apply certificate-based digital signatures. In addition, you can draw or insert image-based e-signatures for informal use.

✅ Various Features Besides Signing

SwifDoo PDF combines editing, annotation, and signing tools in a single lightweight app. You don’t have to switch between multiple tools for common tasks.

✅ Lightweight & Fast

SwifDoo PDF loads faster and uses fewer system resources, making it ideal for older or mid-range computers.

✅ Simple Interface

SwifDoo PDF features a simple and intuitive user interface. It requires no learning curve, and even non-technical users can quickly master it.

Try it now!

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Conclusion

That’s all about how to create a digital signature in Adobe. By following the steps, you can create a self-signed Digital ID for personal use. However, if you find it too complicated, you can use SwifDoo PDF. It is a strong alternative to Adobe and great for everyday signing and editing.