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Version: 4.33

How to sign a PDF with Adobe Acrobat Reader

Overview​

This tutorial shows you how to sign a PDF using a certificate-based digital signature. It’s intended for any Redtrust user, and you don’t need any prior knowledge to follow it.

Background​

A digital signature is a cryptographic mechanism that verifies both the origin and integrity of a document. It uses a digital certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) to confirm the signer’s identity and ensure that the document has not been altered after signing.

When you sign a document in Adobe Acrobat Reader, the software uses your certificate to create an encrypted seal that binds your identity to the document. Any later modification invalidates the signature, providing strong assurance of authenticity and integrity.

Before you start​

To follow this how-to you will need the following:

Step 1: Sign using Adobe Acrobat Reader​

  1. Connect your agent.
  2. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  3. In the All Tools global bar, select View more.
  4. Click Use a certificate.
  5. Click Digitally Sign in the main menu. When the dialog window appears click Ok.
  6. Drag and draw a rectangle area where you want your signature to appear.
  7. When the certificate selection window opens, choose the certificate you want to use. Then click Continue and Sign.
info

If you have a user PIN configured, Redtrust will prompt you to add it after you click Sign.

tip

You can also add a timestamp using the Timestamp option under the Use a certificate. You will only require the URL of your CA provider.

Step 2: Verification (admin)​

To verify that the process ran smoothly, check the Events section in the admin console. You can see the details of the certificate usage there.

warning

The signature event may not include the name of the file that was signed. This depends on whether the document was opened from Adobe or the file explorer, and it's beyond Redtrust control.