How to make PDFs files look like scanned

[LuisMy]

Ciao Everyone,

I may need to skip the "print, sign and scan" part and get a signed file but without editable or selectable content (copy/paste not allowed). Essentially "simulate" the scanning of it. Any advice?
Many thanks. Cheers

[Bernd Alheit · Accepted solution]

Export the pages as TIFF files and combine the TIFF in a new PDF file.

[LinSims]

Let me move this to the Acrobat forum for you, which is the appropriate forum for your question.

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[Jumpenjax]

Just a thought, you can lock it in Acrobat pro click the Protection tab in the right side tool at, then click Restrict Editing.

[Bernd Alheit · Accepted solution]

Export the pages as TIFF files and combine the TIFF in a new PDF file.

[Luke Jennings3 · Accepted solution]

Another method is to place your pdf into InDesign and place a scan of your signature on top (set to multiply), then export the InDesign file as an image (jpeg), open the jpeg in Acrobat and save as a pdf.

[amanning.notary]

Scan & OCR > Enhance camera image worked for me.

[Abambo]

That can't work for the OP, however. BTW: you answered to an old thread from 2022.