When Combining PDFs Digital Signatures Disappear

[defaultdn2g9ggohgvt]

When using the combine multiple PDF files in Acrobat Pro the digital signatures disappear on some of the documents being combined.  Is this a known issue and is there a fix for it?  I now have to print all of them and scan to myself.  Thank you in advance.

[try67]

It's not an issue, it's by design. A signed file can't be edited, as that invalidates the signature. You need to first combine the files, and then sign them all as a single document, or you can combine the signed files as a part of a Portfolio.

PS. If you print a signed file the digital signature on it becomes meaningless, as it can't be validated.

[MikelKlink]

try67 is right of course when clarifying that combining multiple files (unless doing so in a portable collection, aka portfolio) will break any digital signature in those files.

Thus, it is not surprising that Acrobat does not include the signatures in the combined result.

It is surprising, though, that it does so only on "some of the documents being combined". Can you determine for which kinds of documents the signature remains?

[Test Screen Name]

I agree. The only surprise is if it seems to remain. It suggests your staff aren't properly validating signatures, maybe they are only looking on the pages (a common habit, but a dangerous one).