Skip links
scroll
Blog

how to remove digital signature from pdf file

Table of Contents

Would you like to eliminate the digital signature from your PDF file? Fantastic! I’m here to provide you with an effective and straightforward solution.

When a PDF is signed using a digital ID or certificate, it becomes secured to prevent any modifications. Digital IDs or certificates utilized for signing PDFs often hold significance for commercial and legal purposes in various countries, and their usage is typically regulated by specific laws and regulations.

It is Possible to Edit the pdf

If you’re the sole signatory on the document, you have the option to remove the signature and proceed with further work or editing on the document or its source file.

To eliminate your signature, simply right-click on it and choose “Clear Signature” from the menu.

In case you receive a PDF that has been signed by someone else, you can request the signer to remove the signature before sharing the document, or alternatively, you can obtain an unsigned copy.

How to Remove Digital Signature from PDF File?

A Digital Signature (ID) serves as a means to authenticate PDF documents, resembling a traditional handwritten signature in appearance. The key distinction lies in the encryption of information, adding a layer of complexity to prevent counterfeiting.

Additionally, it incorporates a password protection layer, often stored in the PKCS #12 file format, also recognized as the PFX format. Once a digital signature is applied to a document, its content is secured against future alterations.

However, certain scenarios pose risks by potentially trapping users within these protective layers. For instance, forgetting the password associated with a digital signature can result in being unable to access the PDF file again.

In such circumstances, it becomes crucial to understand how to remove digital signatures from PDF files. Depending on your situation, you can follow the steps outlined below to eliminate the signature.

Steps tp Remove Signature form Pdf

Single Digital Signature: It’s important to note that the PDF file contains only one valid signature. The initial step involves determining whether the digital signature was applied during the PDF file’s creation or added subsequently.

Step 1: Identify the signature field and erase the value if the Digital Signature was embedded during the PDF file’s production. If you intend to eliminate the signature appearance, deleting the AP file is also necessary.

Step 2: If the signature was added after the PDF’s creation, an alternative approach is required for removing the digital signature. Typically, an incremental mode is utilized to save such PDF files.

This is because, to add a new signature to an existing document, the current version of the PDF must be retained. Therefore, retrieving the prior version of an existing signature becomes essential to its removal.

Multiple Signatures: In the case of a PDF document with more than one signature, only the most recent signature will be removed without affecting the remaining signatures.

The outlined method is applicable for creating PDF documents with multiple signatures. It involves reverting to the version of the PDF that lacked the newly applied signature.

For those who have prepared the PDF file in Acrobat and possess all necessary passwords, the Delete option can be utilized. With the Digital ID for signing installed, open the PDF file in Acrobat, navigate to Tools >> Content >> Select-Object, click on the signature field, and press the Delete key.