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D
dsaks
Participant
January 27, 2010
Question

Digital Signature Not Showing Up in Saved PDF

  • January 27, 2010
  • 5 replies
  • 302807 views

I am frequently sent pdf contracts that need to be filled out, signed and returned.  I turn the pdf into a form and then add a signature field, click "certify with visible signature," sign it and save it as a pdf.  But then when I email the signed pdf it has all the form content but doesn't show the signature. Same for when I open the file in Preview.  The signature only shows up in Acrobat.  Can anyone help explain what I am doing wrong?

Thanks in advance.

    5 replies

    P
    Parinas
    Participant
    April 24, 2023

    I found a work-around using Preview on Mac.  After adding my signature, I used the Print function and then select PDF, save the file.  My signature appeared in the saved version.  

    C
    Cprende
    Participant
    June 30, 2021

    I use Adobe Sign to get signatures.  Using Windows 10.   I then download the signed contracts and save as an unsecured PDF to send to my accounting dept who of course uses MACs.   They try to view in MAC Preview.    Up until 2-3 weeks ago there was no issue.    Now they open my PDF in MAC Preview and they can see the first few pages and the rest are there but appear blank.     There was no issue with this for just over 2 years.    This issue started 2-3 weeks ago.   Supports answer if for them to download and use Adobe Reader DC.      Not going to happen.     Anyone know of a work around or if I am doing something wrong.

    C
    cbrunk
    Participant
    March 22, 2020

    For what it is worth, the same thing happens intermittently using the custom stamp in Adobe Acrobat Pro. It seems assigning blame to other operating systems and programs is irrelevant. A simple "flatten" command would be useful. 

      A
      Anonymous
      August 10, 2011

      Hi,


      I am trying to EXTRACT from a PDF with a Topaz signature on it (RUNNING ACROBAT PRO X ON WINDOWS) and when it EXTRACT'S the signature that a client has signed digitally via Topaz it does not show up when saving it, any suggestions?


      I am lost and any help would greatly be appreciated.

      Steven_Madwin
      Adobe Employee
      Steven_Madwin
      Adobe Employee
      August 10, 2011

      Hi Arevalo,

      When you extract a page (or any mount of pages in the document) you are creating a new document, and thus the signature is always removed. If you want the new document to be signed you need to sign it, you just can't pull pages out and expected the signature to persist.

      Steve

        A
        Anonymous
        August 10, 2011

        Hi Steve,

        I found a work around it. Extract which pops open a new window THEN sign and then save, which captures the original signature.

        Andrew Arevalo

        The Corrigan Group

        303-882-8983

        www.athomedenver.com

        Steven_Madwin
        Adobe Employee
        Steven_Madwin
        Adobe Employee
        January 27, 2010

        Hi,

        The problem is Preview (and I assume you are referring to the application that comes on the Mac) doesn't know how to process the signature, so it doesn't display it. However, if your clients use the free Adobe Reader they will see the certifying signature. If you need them to fill out the form, be sure to Reader Enable the file before you send it to them. You can do this by selecting the Advanced > Extend Features in Adobe Reader menu item.

        Steve

        D
        dsaksAuthor
        Participant
        January 28, 2010

        I am referring to the Mac application and your diagnosis makes sense, but

        this seriously limits the functionality of the digital signature. The

        document (which should appear as a filled out and signed form i.e. a W-2

        when I'm done with it) will appear unsigned when opened in a browser, or in

        Preview or many other common methods of opening a .pdf. I suppose I could

        save it as .tif, then resave it as a pdf, but that's a minor hassle and some

        text degradation occurs.

          Steven_Madwin
          Adobe Employee
          Steven_Madwin
          Adobe Employee
          January 28, 2010

          Hi,

          It won't appear unsigned if you are using either Acrobat of the free Adobe Reader. There is no way that Adobe can make non-Adobe applications (e.g. Apple's Preview) process digital signatures. One of the complaints we often hear is the size of the Reader download, but if you are using a slimmed down version of a PDF viewer it's going to certain lack functionality and signature processing will almost certainly be one of those items.

          If you put Acrobat or Reader on the computer then the signed PDF files will display correctly in both the browser and the stand-alone apps. If you're using third party software, then it's out of our hands.

          As an aside, if you do convert your signed documents into image files, there won't be any signature. Signatures only work in conjunction with signature form fields and an image file does not contain a form field. It's all one flattened picture.

          Steve

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