How to Add Digital Signatures to PDFs Securely with Power PDF

Power PDF is the easiest and safest way to ensure that your documents are protected from being tampered with or altered during transit. As a result of the increase in remote work and digital workflows, many businesses and individuals have moved away from having to print, sign, and scan paper documents.

The PDF format has become the standard for all types of business documentation due to its ability to preserve the integrity of the document, regardless of the software or operating system used.

Knowing how to add digital signatures to PDF documents has become more than a technical skill; it has become a legal obligation, as well as an obligation to protect your sensitive information.

Electronic Signatures vs. Digital Signatures: What’s the Difference?

There are many electronic signing tools available; Tungsten Power PDF is the only tool that provides advanced certificate-based security features that provide the highest level of protection from tampering or alteration of your documents.

This guide will provide you with many ways to use Power PDF's advanced signature tools to protect your business with digital signatures and secure PDF signings.

1. Electronic signatures

These signatures are either a picture of your signature or your name typed. They hold up as legal signatures in many situations and can usually show who has signed the document and if it has been changed after being signed.

2. Digital signatures

Digital versions contain a certificate that is created using cryptography, so the certificate is linked to each SignDocdigitally. The certificate becomes invalid if a document is changed after being signed by means of the digital signature.

Tungsten Power PDF has excelled in providing you with the ability to add a secure digital signature to your PDF files via Digital ID encryption.

Why use Tungsten Power PDF to secure your documents?

Tungsten Power PDF has an intuitive Microsoft Office-style ribbon interface, so you can easily navigate its many security options. All versions feature the same industry-standard level of encryption and certificate management as Adobe Acrobat, but without the steep learning curve or expensive subscription fees associated with that program.

How to Sign a PDF Document with a Digital Signature Using Power PDF

Power PDF allows you to sign your contracts, invoices, and other important documents digitally. To digitally sign your PDF using Power PDF, follow the steps listed below:

Step 1. Open the "Security" tab in Power PDF

To begin signing a document, first open Power PDF. From the main ribbon, click on the Security tab at the very top. The Security tab shows you all of the options necessary to manage your security options, such as Password Protection, Signature, and Certification.

Step 2. Click "Sign Document"

Once you select the "Security" tab, look for the Signing/Certifying Panel in the Security Group and select the "Sign" button from this panel. After clicking the Sign Button, you will see that your pointer has now changed so that you can create a box on the PDF page to display your signature visually.

Step 3. Create or select your digital ID

When you draw a signature box, you will see the Sign Document dialog box open

●      Existing ID: If you already have a digital ID. Select the digital ID from the list.

●      New ID: If you're signing your first document, click "Add ID." Power PDF enables you to create a self-signed digital ID. Self-signed IDs are appropriate for internal peer-to-peer verification.

Step 4: Customize Your Signature Appearance

Digital signatures don't need to be dull! In Power PDF, you can personalize your signature appearance. You can include:

●      A scanned image of your handwritten signature.

●      The date and time of signing.

●      The reason for signing.

●      The location.

The signature's appearance can be made to fit into the context the recipient has of the signature because of a signature style.

Stage 5: Obtaining and Saving Your Signature

A PDF Document is signed with Power PDF by using a location to store the PDF file. The location you choose will become the location for storing that PDF after it has been saved and will contain a hash code that identifies the unique signed copy of the PDF file.

The hash code also serves as proof that the PDF file was signed prior to saving it. The PDF created after you sign your document will include your digital signature.

If anyone attempts to modify the signed PDF later, they will receive a message stating that their attempts to open the document have rendered it invalid.

Difference between Power PDF Standard and Power PDF Advanced

Both have the same digital signature capability associated with PDF files; however, in order to select the right version of Power PDF for your workflow, it is essential for you to understand your workflow needs.

Tungsten Power PDF Standard

The Standard edition meets all the needs of individuals, freelancers, and small business owners. You can create digital IDs, sign documents, and verify signatures received from others.

This version is a cost-effective option for anyone who wants to move from paper-based processes without needing the complicated features required by large companies.

Explore the solution here: Tungsten Power PDF Standard 5 for Windows.

Tungsten Power PDF Advanced

The advanced version is designed for larger organizations, legal departments, and regulated industries. The Advanced version offers additional security beyond the Standard version.

This version also includes redaction functionality that allows you to remove sensitive information permanently prior to signing, which means that there is no hidden metadata that could potentially compromise your security.

Upgrade to enterprise-grade security: Tungsten Power PDF Advanced 5 for Windows.

Why Tungsten Power PDF is the Smart Choice

Tungsten Power PDF makes adding digital signatures to your PDF files very simple. The benefit to you is more than ticking the correct box; it is a perpetual license at a lower cost to your IT budget than recurring subscriptions.

Both Power PDF Standard and Power PDF Advanced meet ISO requirements; therefore, any digitally signed document created using either version of Power PDF will maintain its legibility and be legally acceptable for several years into the future.

Conclusion

Digital transformation is going to require a combination of both very effective (robust) and very user-friendly tools.

Tungsten Power PDF fulfills the gap for clients that want to add digital signatures, by providing differentiation between e-signatures and encrypted digital signatures, and by having the same version of Power PDF, you will be able to securely sign a PDF and pretect your business from fraud and tampering.

Ready to secure your document workflows?

Purchase your official Tungsten Power PDF license from WiseComm IT today. Visit our store, where you can select from either the Standard or Advanced edition, and see how you can start experiencing secure PDF editing in the very near future.

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