Have you ever struggled with the need to sign digital documents such as PDF or XML files and didn’t know exactly how to do it? Or did you need to quickly make corrections to a PDF, but didn’t have the right tool? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily and safely sign PDF and XML files and make corrections to documents.
How to Electronically Sign a PDF Document
Introduction to Electronic Signatures! Before we go any further, it is worth quickly explaining what electronic document signing means. Namely, it is adding your unique signature to a file, such as a PDF or XML, which confirms the authenticity of the document. An electronically signed document allows you to maintain the credibility and security of information transfer. But, as we well know, there are several methods of signing, so it is time to familiarize yourself with the best techniques and tools.
Benefits of Signing Documents with a Qualified Signature
Before we get into specifics, it is worth mentioning the benefits of signing documents with a qualified signature. Firstly, such signing is faster and more convenient, there is no need to print documents or send them by post. Secondly, a qualified signature has a high level of security, which allows for full identification of your person and protects against forgery. Thirdly, a qualified signature has full legal value, which makes contracts and documents signed in this way as valid as those with a handwritten signature.
Signing PDF Files with a Qualified E-signature
1. Download and install the appropriate tool (such as SwifDoo PDF) for working with a qualified signature. This can be a PDF document viewer with the ability to sign or dedicated electronic signature software.
2. Secure the qualified signature certificate on the pneumonia key with a password. Remember that the password should be complex to increase the security of the certificate.
3. Open the PDF file you want to sign with a qualified electronic signature. Use the appropriate option, e.g. “sign document” in your software or browser.
4. Select the place on the document where you want your signature to appear. The signature imposition will be visible as a graphic image of the signature or as an icon with information about the signature properties.
5. Confirm the signing of the file by entering the password for your qualified signature certificate. After confirmation, the signature will be applied to the document.
Sign a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader
You probably know that one of the most popular programs that allow you to read and edit PDF files – Adobe Acrobat Reader – also offers options for signing documents.
If you already have it installed on your computer, congratulations! You are one step closer to mastering the art of signing PDFs. Simply open the file in Acrobat Reader, then select “Fill & Sign” from the “Tools” menu. Then click the “Add Signature” button and enter your handwritten signature using your mouse, or scan and insert your authentic signature. Done? Great, you now have a signed PDF!
What about XML Files?
How do I sign them? If you need to sign an XML file, the best solution is to use dedicated software that supports this type of file. An example of such a program is e.g. XMLsigner by Caplink. After installing the software, you need to receive a qualified certificate, thanks to which you will be able to sign XML files. In XMLsigner, you just need to select your certificate, the XML file to sign and specify the signing method (e.g. CAdES or XAdES).
How to Make Corrections to PDF Documents
You already know how to sign a PDF file and how to sign an XML file, but there may be a situation when we already have a PDF document and we need to make some changes or corrections to it. And this is where Adobe Acrobat Reader (or other PDF editing programs) comes in handy. Select the “Edit PDF” option from the “Tools” menu and feel free to make changes!
Why is it worth having this skill in your arsenal? Well, in a situation where small errors occur, you don’t have to create a new document from scratch, but just quickly and efficiently correct them! I hope this guide was comprehensive enough that from today you will never get lost in the world of digital documents and signatures.
Now you know how to sign PDF and XML, as well as how to make corrections to PDF documents. May the power of electronic signatures be with you!