How to Remove Digital Signature from PDF File – Remove Signature
Do you wish to eliminate the digital signature from your PDF file? Excellent! Here, I will introduce an effective and straightforward solution to address your concern.
When a PDF is signed using a digital ID or certificate, the document becomes secure, preventing any alterations. Digital IDs or certificates used for signing PDFs often serve commercial and legal purposes and are subject to regulatory control in many countries.
It is Possible to Edit the pdf
If you are the sole signer of the document, you have the option to delete the signature and proceed with further work or edits on the source document.
To remove your signature, right-click on it and choose “Clear Signature” from the menu.
In the case of receiving a signed PDF, you can request the signer to remove the signature before sharing the PDF. Alternatively, you may provide an unsigned copy if needed.
How to Remove Digital Signature from PDF File?
A Digital Signature (ID) serves as a means to verify the authenticity of PDF documents, appearing akin to a traditional handwritten signature. The key distinction lies in the encryption of information, adding a layer of complexity to prevent counterfeiting.
This digital signature incorporates a password protection layer, often stored in the PKCS #12 file format, also recognized as the PFX format. Upon the application of a digital signature to a document, its content is secured against future alterations.
However, certain situations pose risks, trapping users within these protective layers. For instance, if one forgets the password associated with the digital signature, accessing the PDF file becomes impossible.
In such circumstances, it becomes crucial to understand how to remove digital signatures from PDF files. Depending on the situation, you can eliminate the signature by following the steps outlined below
Steps tp Remove Signature form Pdf
For a Single Digital Signature:
Please 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 later.
Step 1: Identify the signature field and delete the value if the Digital Signature was incorporated during the PDF file’s generation. If you wish to eliminate the signature appearance, also remove the AP file.
Step 2: If the signature was added post the PDF creation, an alternative method is required for its removal. Typically, an incremental mode is employed to save such PDF files. This is because, to append a new signature to an existing document, the current version of the PDF needs to be retained. Consequently, reverting to the previous version of an existing signature is necessary for its removal.
For Multiple Signatures:
If a PDF document features more than one signature, only the most recent signature will be removed, without affecting the other signatures.
The described method is also applicable for creating PDFs with multiple signatures. You need to return to the version of the PDF that lacked the newly added signature.
If you’ve created the PDF file in Acrobat and possess all required passwords, use this feature. Navigate to Tools >> Content >> Select Object in Acrobat, open the PDF file, click on the signature field, and press the Delete key to remove the signature. Ensure you have the Digital ID installed for signing.
