Adding signature field to form???

[blackberryd1991]

Hi all,

I'm currently converting what was once a printable application form [which users obviously filled out by hand] into something that can be filled out with Acrobat. The form will be a downloadable item on the clients website.

No problem adding the required 'text fields' and 'check boxes' but the client has asked for the option for the user to 'sign' the form. I know InDesign has the option to a 'signature field' but not sure if this is the right tool for the job?

I'm not 100% sure if they mean to sign the document with the users actual signature or if a script-font would be fine... I need to find this out.

However, I don't want to spend hours researching into this if it's something I can't really do in InDesign!

I know Acrobat has 'signature' options too, so at least if I know if InDesign can do this or not, I can move my research elsewhere.

Thanks for your help.

[Laubender]

Hi blackberryd1991 ,

you have to look into Acrobat's form features.

Or ask Ariel ( TᴀW ) if that's possible by using the FormMaker script for InDesign:

Using FormMaker to Add Validation Scripts to a PDF Form in InDesign | Id-Extras.com

Regards,
Uwe

[Steve Werner]

It can be a very complex area depending on what your client is expecting to do, what kind of security considerations they have, etc. It very much should be done in Acrobat.

Start your research by reading the Electronic Signature section of Acrobat Help:

Acrobat Help | Acrobat User Guide

[blackberryd1991]

Thank you both.

I will certainly look at what you both suggest.

The end result obviously can't be complicated for the user, as the majority of them won't be 'computer experts'.

The plan is to point them in the direction of Adobe Reader for viewing and filling in the form, but I was hoping the client would be happy with my suggestion to delete the signature 'boxes' and replace with a simple check box [to confirm the user has read and agree with the terms and conditions] - seems like a better and simpler option to me!

[Beatrice5DEE]

I have this exact issue! Have you managed to find a solution to this? I just want to add a simple "pencil draw box" on the InDesign file... before exporting it to a PDF. Even if I have to add this in Adobe Acrobat - but Acrobat seems to lose some of my "boxes"... and I don't know why. Seems like a programme defect. 

[Chad Chelius]

InDesign can certainly create a signature field in an exported PDF form just as Acrobat can. The user will easily be able to sign the form. The problem in the "real world" is the validation of that signature. As I sit here, I can create a signature via Acrobat that says I'm John Doe. The key to digital signatures is being able to validate that the person signing the form is in fact who they say they are. I won't go into the details here, but the reality is that this can be a complicated process if you don't work for a large company with a solid IT department (even they may find the process challenging). Adobe attempts to streamline this process via Adobe Sign which is built into Adobe Acrobat DC. So you could create the form in InDesign, make a PDF, and distribute the form via Adobe Sign which will make the validation part of the process much easier. Hopefully that helps to clear things up a bit?

[James29967110oxpr]

I love all the responses that give opinions about why someone shouldnt do something simple they are asking for help with.

If a user is asking how to do something and someone wants to respond they should stick to the topic and not inject their own personal feelings about why a user shouldnt do what they are asking for help with.  You eiether have the answer or our dont.

[BobLevine]

I'm sorry, but you are wrong. Giving someone information that will allow them to make an educated decision on how to move forward with a project is most certainly the proper way to answer a question.

BTW, your response here to a five-year-old discussion adds nothing to help anyone. So, while we're here to help, that help comes courtesy of unpaid volunteers. If you don't like the answers either prove they're wrong or feel free to ignore them.