How to Sign a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader

Step-by-step instructions on adding a signature to a form-fillable PDF file using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

Issue/Question

• How do I electronically sign a PDF?
• How do I get Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to sign documents?
   

Resolution

Downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader

On a Massasoit-issued device, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Company Portal. For more information in general about Company Portal, check out our articles here - How to Use the Company Portal | Applications Available Within the Company Portal

Follow these instructions to get Adobe Acrobat Reader on your device:

1. Open the Company Portal app on your device.
    
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2. Find Adobe Acrobat Reader DC in the Recently Published apps section at the top, or simply search for "Adobe" in the search bar at the top of the window, then click on Acrobat Reader DC in the results.
    
3. Click Install to start the download.
    
4. Once the installation completes, you can open the application from your Start Menu.

If you run into any issues installing Adobe Acrobat Reader, please contact the Help Desk for assistance. 

Signing a PDF in Acrobat Reader DC
 

Overview

There are two different ways to sign a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, depending on how the PDF was created:

1. Digital Signature Field (fillable form) – The document has a designated signature box you must click.

2. Fill & Sign (manual signature) – You place your signature anywhere on the page with the Fill & Sign tool.

Follow the instructions for the type of PDF you were given. If you're not sure, check the document for any highlighted (usually in light blue) fields which change your cursor to the 'hand' icon. Hovering over these fields should show a message saying "(Click to sign)" like in this screenshot:

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If you see a field like this, follow the instructions for Digital Signature Field. If you don't see it, you'll need the Fill & Sign instructions.

 

Signing with a Digital Signature Field

1. Open the PDF.
   1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
   2. Select File > Open and choose the PDF you need to sign.
2. Locate the designated signature field in the document and click on it.
3. Acrobat will open the Digital ID window.
   • If you already have a Digital ID, select it and click Continue.
   • If not, click Configure New Digital ID and follow the prompts to create your signature:
     1. Select "Create a new Digital ID" then click Continue.
     2. Select "Save to File" then click Continue.
     3. Enter your identity information. Note that the only required fields for this are Name and Email Address. Leave the other fields, such as "Key Algorithm" and "Use Digital ID for" as what they started with.
     4. Type in a password to associate with your signature. This is separate from your Massasoit password and will only be used for signing documents using this Digital ID.
     5. Click Save, then select your new Digital ID and click Continue.
4. Enter the password for your Digital ID (signature) and click Sign.
5. Save the document to your computer when prompted. This file you saved is the new version with your signature on it, which can then be printed or emailed to others.
   
    

Signing Manually Using Fill & Sign

1. Open the PDF.
   1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
   2. Select File > Open and choose the PDF you need to sign.
2. In the All Tools section on the left, click Fill & Sign.
   • All Tools should open automatically, but if it didn't, you can click All Tools in the top-left corner of the window.
3. In the "Fill and sign yourself" section, click Add signature.
4. Choose one of the following:
   • Type – Acrobat will stylize your typed name as a signature.
   • Draw – Sign using your mouse or trackpad
   • Image – Upload a picture of your handwritten signature
5. Click Apply, then click on the page where you want the signature placed.
6. Save the signed PDF using Menu > Save or Save as.

 

 

Need Help?

If you run into any issues or need assistance with signing a document, please contact the Help Desk and we'll be happy to help.