Is it possible to add a notice to a digitally signed document?

[BruceM1631]

I would like to add a notification to a digitally signed pdf, to the effect that printed copies are for reference only (i.e. cannot be assumed to be current).  I would like this notice to appear only when the document is printed, not when it is viewed on screen.

The document being digitally signed, all changes seem to be disallowed.

[Bernd Alheit]

Add the notification before you sign the document.

[BruceM1631]

OK, thanks. The document came to me already signed. I wanted to add a
notice that it is for reference only if printed, but I guess that's not an
option.

[Test Screen Name]

All changes are blocked, even good ones. Even necessary ones, like redaction for release.

[try67]

You can do it by creating the notification in advance, as a hidden (read-only) text field, and then use a script to change its display to "Hidden, but printable" when the field is signed. Let's say the field is called "SignedWarning".

Create it, apply the default value and set it as Hidden. Then go to the Properties of the Signature field and under the Signed tab enter the following code:

this.getField("SignedWarning").display = display.noView;

That should do it.

[JR Boulay]

"I would like this notice to appear only when the document is printed, not when it is viewed on screen."

It is impossible, a signed document should not and cannot change its appearance.
So you cannot have elements that are only visible in print.

[try67]

Not true, as I've explained above. Here's an example of it working. Sign the field and you'll see...

[JR Boulay]

I know that we can run a script at the time of signing.
What I was explaining is that you can't have elements "invisible on screen and visible on print" in a signed document.

[try67]

Sure you can. Sign this file and then print it.

[JR Boulay]

You are right but I am not wrong.

You are talking about signatures with certificates while I was talking about AcrobatSign signatures.

See attachment.

😉

However, I do not find it reliable that a signed document can have two different aspects on screen and on paper.

[try67]

I agree with your last point. In fact, I think fields in general should have been locked when the file is signed. It should not be possible to change them afterwards. The only thing that should be allowed is adding comments and signing.

[BruceM1631]

Thanks, all.  I just wanted a Reference Only stamp if the document is printed.  Or a time stamp might have been adequate.  But it is not to be.

[try67]

You can try to add a comment (such as a Stamp) to do that.

[BruceM1631]

I did try.  It wasn't allowed.  I forget the exact reason.  It may have been because I did not create the document in the first place.  It is a technical specification that is subject to revision.