How to edit a signed PDF in 2024 (100% Working)

Organizations maintain the majority of their papers in digital formats, such as PDFs, in today’s highly digitalized environment. Those in charge of companies must sign the paperwork in order to authorize particular documents. PDFs in digital format can now have signatures added to them.

Although it is possible, altering signed PDFs is not advised as it renders the signatures invalid. On the other hand, modifying signed PDF files involves a number of processes that may be difficult for complete novices to comprehend. This article addresses that.

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1 How to Edit Signed PDF Online on Windows

There are several methods to edit PDF online on windows. to edit the pdf online, you can use third party apps such as PDF gear.

1.1 Step 1: Launch PDFgear Online

Begin by navigating to the PDFgear website using any browser of your choice. This online platform is designed to be user-friendly and compatible with the majority of web browsers, ensuring a wide accessibility for users who need to edit PDF documents.

1.2 Step 2: Upload Your Signed PDF

To commence signed PDF editing, click on the “Upload PDF files” button. This will allow you to select and upload the signed PDF document you wish to edit. Alternatively, you can use the drag-and-drop to add your pdf to the tool.

1.3 Step 3: Start Editing the File

Once your signed PDF is uploaded, you can proceed to edit it by clicking on the “Add or Edit annotations” option. This tool enables you to modify text, insert free text, and adjust various fields within the document. It’s important to note, however, that editing locked fields may not be possible.

1.4 Step 4: Apply Your Edits

At this stage, you have the freedom to apply any edits that your document requires. Whether adding text, modifying form fields, or making other necessary adjustments.

1.5 Step 5: Save and Download Your Edited Document

After completing your edits, simply click on the “Download” icon to save your revised document to your computer. The platform also offers the option to print the document directly from the editor.

2 How to Edit Signed PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Editing digitally signed PDF documents in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers a professional-grade solution for managing PDF workflow, especially when dealing with typed or handwritten signatures.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC allows the primary PDF owner to perform edits on a signed PDF file without compromising the digital signatures or the document’s integrity.

This section provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to edit a signed PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, ensuring that the digital IDs and signatures remain valid throughout the editing process.

2.1 Step 1: Open the File in Adobe Acrobat

First, launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and open the signed PDF document you wish to edit.

2.2 Step 2: Navigate to Editing Tools

Once the signed PDF is open, go to “Tools > Edit PDF”. Select the Edit option. You will notice that the text within the signed document appears in editable text boxes, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments easily.

2.2.1 Resolve “Document Has been Signed and can not be edited” Error

You may see a popup saying document has been signed, therefore, cannot be edited as below;

Therefore, to resolve this, you need to first clear digital signature or any typed or handwritten signature from your file.

2.3 Step 3: Edit the Document

Identify the text section you wish to edit. Upon selection, the text box will be highlighted in blue with a rotation handle above, indicating that it is ready for editing.

2.4 Step 4: Making Text Changes

For adding new text, simply type in the desired content. If you need to remove existing text, press the “Delete” button. This step maintains the flexibility of editing signed PDF files while preserving the document’s original digital signature integrity.

2.5 Step 5: Adjust Formatting

The “Format panel” on Adobe Acrobat Pro DC’s right side provides tools for further customization, such as converting paragraphs into lists or adjusting the font characteristics (e.g., character spacing, font size, and color).

2.6 Step 6: Font and Appearance Customizations

The Format panel also offers comprehensive options to modify the document’s font and appearance settings, including stroke width and horizontal scaling.

3 How to Edit a Signed PDF with Preview on macOS

Editing a signed PDF document on a macOS can be efficiently managed with the Preview app, a versatile tool native to macOS that allows for various editing tasks without compromising the quality or integrity of the document.

The Preview app makes it easy to perform basic edits such as adding or removing text, adjusting signatures, merging documents, and even adding fill-in forms.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to editing your signed PDFs using Preview, ensuring you maintain the digital signatures intact while making the necessary updates.

3.1 Step 1: Open Your PDF in Preview

To begin, double-click the signed PDF file you want to edit, stored in your folder. This action will automatically open the document in the Preview app.

Alternatively, you can right-click the file, choose “Open With,” and select Preview as the default app.

3.2 Step 2: Access Editing Tools

With your document open in Preview, look for the Toolbar at the top of the screen and click on the “Edit” button.

3.3 Step 3: Select and Edit Your Text

Select “Selection to hold a text section” . Include text, shapes, and lines. To alter the size and color of the text, tap other buttons.

3.4 Step 4: Annotate Your PDF

For adding comments or notes to your PDF document, click on “Tools > Annotate.” This feature is particularly useful for reviewing documents or adding clarifications without altering the main text.

Additionally, if you need to insert or edit a signature, follow the route “Tools > Annotate > Signature” and select from the available options. This step is crucial for managing signatures within your signed PDFs without needing to start from scratch.

4 Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering how to edit a signed PDF, whether it’s a digitally signed PDF document, a PDF file with typed or handwritten signatures, or any other signed document, remains crucial in today’s fast-paced digital environment. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and macOS Preview offer comprehensive solutions for editing signed PDF documents, ensuring the integrity of digital signatures while allowing necessary modifications.

These platforms facilitate a seamless PDF workflow, from enhancing the readability of PDF text to inserting additional security measures in PDF files. Whether you’re handling sensitive legal documents, securing payment invoices, or managing a complex set of signed PDFs, the ability to edit without compromising digital IDs or the document’s overall authenticity is indispensable.

Remember, while the process may seem a bit tricky at first, especially with preserving digital signatures or editing a digitally signed PDF, following the correct steps ensures that your PDF documents retain their validity and reliability. This blend of flexibility and security underscores the importance of choosing the right PDF editor, like Adobe Acrobat DC, for managing your document’s needs.

Beyond just editing, these tools encapsulate a holistic approach to document management, emphasizing the significance of digital solutions in a paperless world. Always ensure your editing actions are compliant with the original document’s intent, upholding the integrity of every signed PDF and maintaining the trust vested in digital documentation.