How to Sign a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Digitally signing a PDF is a way to authenticate a document or confirm the signer's approval. It comes in handy when you need to sign contracts, forms, and other documents online without having to manually print, sign, and scan them. Adobe Acrobat Reader is one of the most popular tools used for this purpose as it is widely available and offers a user-friendly experience for managing PDF files. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through each step of signing a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Table of contents

1. Introduction to Adobe Acrobat Reader
2. Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader
3. Opening a PDF document
4. Preparing to sign
5. Adding your signature
6. Finalizing the signature
7. Save and share your signed document
8. Conclusion

Introduction to Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a versatile tool that allows you to view, manage, and interact with PDF files. One of its key features is the ability to digitally sign PDFs. This capability is especially useful for offices and individuals who need to handle documents in a paperless environment. With Adobe Acrobat Reader, whether you are a business professional, a student, or just a person managing personal documents, you can add credibility to your PDFs through digital signatures.

Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader

The first step toward signing a PDF is to make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you don't have it yet, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Adobe website.
2. Go to the "Downloads" section and find the Adobe Acrobat Reader section.
3. Click the "Download Acrobat Reader" button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app. Make sure to choose the correct version according to your operating system.
5. Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader and make sure it is working correctly by opening any PDF file.

Opening a PDF document

Once Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed, the next step is to open the PDF document you want to sign. Here are the steps:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
2. From the main menu, click "File," then "Open," which will load the PDF you need to sign.
3. Browse to the location of the PDF on your computer, select the file, and click "Open."
4. The PDF will now appear in the Adobe Acrobat Reader interface.

Preparing to sign

Before adding a signature, prepare the PDF by navigating to the part of the document where the signature is needed. This preparation includes indicating the exact location where the signature will be placed. This can be at the end of the document or at the designated signature location. Keep these guidelines in mind:

1. Use the scroll bar or page navigation tools to locate the relevant section of the document.
2. If the document includes form fields for signing, make sure you are in the correct location as indicated.
3. Save your progress before adding your signature to avoid data loss.

Adding your signature

Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to add a signature to your PDF in several ways. Let's explore each method:

• Using the Fill & Signature Tool: This is the easiest way to add a signature to a PDF.
• Click the "Tools" pane at the top of the program window.
• Select “Fill and Sign” from the list of options.
• A toolbar will appear indicating that the Fill & Sign tool is active. Click "Sign" and then click "Add Signature."
• You will be presented with three options to add your signature: "Type", "Draw" or "Image".
1. Type: Type your name and choose a signature style from the options provided.
2. Draw: Use your mouse or stylus (if your device is supported) to draw your signature.
3. Image: Upload an image of your handwritten signature.
• Choose your preferred method and create your signature.

Finalizing the signature

After adding the signature, you need to place it correctly in the PDF and finalize it:

1. Place the Signature box where you want the signature to appear on the document.
2. Resize the signature if necessary by dragging the corners of the signature box so that it fits nicely in the specified area.
3. If you decide to make a change, such as creating a new signature, you can click on the signature and select the "Change Signature" option.
4. Once satisfied with the placement and appearance, go through the document to ensure all details are correct.

Save and share your signed document

Completing the signing process involves saving your document in its final form and sharing it with the relevant parties. You can do this as follows:

1. Click "File" in the main menu of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Select "Save As" to create a new file, retaining the format of the original document.
3. Choose a location on your computer to save the document and give it a new name.
4. Select "PDF" as the file format and click "Save."
5. To share the signed document via email, use your favorite email service to attach the PDF and send it to the recipients.
6. You can also use Adobe's sharing options available in Adobe Acrobat Reader for secure sharing and tracking capabilities.

Conclusion

Signing a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader is a straightforward process that can streamline the workflow of document management to a great extent. By using Adobe Acrobat Reader, you save time, reduce paper waste, and enhance the security of your documents. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of using Adobe Acrobat Reader's features to digitally sign documents, catering to various user preferences for signature creation. Once you master these steps, handling important documents becomes more efficient and reliable.

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