Have you ever signed a PDF document and then realized that you made a mistake or wanted to change something? Maybe you signed the wrong document, or you need to update some information, or you want to change the signer. Whatever the reason, you might wonder how to remove your signature from a PDF without affecting the rest of the document.
In this blog post, we will show you step-by-step how to remove a signature from a PDF using different methods. We will also explain what a PDF is, why it is used, and why signatures are important for PDF documents. So, let’s dive in and learn how to remove a signature from a PDF!
What Is a PDF?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format, which was created by Adobe in 1992 to present documents regardless of software, hardware, or operating system. PDFs can contain text, images, embedded fonts, hyperlinks, videos, interactive buttons, forms, and more. It is typically used to distribute read-only documents like user manuals, eBooks, application forms, and scanned documents that hold the layout of a page.
PDF can also be signed electronically using digital signatures or certificates that provide identity verification and document integrity. They gained popularity due to their ability to preserve the formatting with the layout of a document and are commonly used for sharing contracts, reports, invoices, and other important documents.
How to Remove Signature From PDF [Step-By-Step]
You can edit a PDF document to remove a signature that you no longer need or want. There are different ways to do this, depending on your preferences and the tools you have. Here are some different methods you can use to do this:
A) Part 1: How to Remove Signature From PDF – Offline
You can remove signatures from PDF documents without needing an internet connection. Here are some effective and easy ways to do this. These methods will help you edit and manage your PDF files better.
Method 1: How to Delete Signature from PDF Using Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is the official software for creating and editing PDF files. It also allows you to sign and remove signatures from PDFs using digital IDs or certificates. To remove a signature from a PDF using Adobe Acrobat, follow these steps:
- First, open the PDF document that has the signature you want to delete with Adobe Acrobat.
- Next, click File> (*.ps) as the file type in the Save As window.
- Then, click the Save button. If your PDF document has interactive elements such as form buttons or hyperlinks that you want to preserve, use a different name from the original PDF document to avoid overwriting it when you redistill it later.
- After that, you will see the PS file in the location where you saved it.
- Double-click on this File, and it will be converted into a PDF file by Adobe Distiller. You can watch the Acrobat Distiller window as it converts the file to PDF. When the status shows ready, you can view the PDF file there.
- Finally, click on the new PDF file in Adobe Distiller and open it with Adobe Acrobat Pro. You will notice that the blue pane that was on top of the original document is gone. The signature is now editable like any other content in the PDF document.
The advantages of using Adobe Acrobat to remove signatures from PDFs are:
- You can edit the document after removing the signature.
- You can use digital IDs or certificates from various providers.
- You can validate the signatures of other signers.
The limitations of using Adobe Acrobat to remove signatures from PDFs are:
- You have to download and set up the software on your computer.
- You need to have the permission of the document owner or other signers to remove their signatures.
- You need to pay for a subscription or a license to use the full features of Adobe Acrobat.
Method 2: How to Erase Signature from PDF with PDFelement
PDFelement is a powerful and easy-to-use PDF editing tool that offers a smooth solution for erasing signatures from PDF documents. It allows you to quickly and easily remove digital signatures that are wrong or invalid. Here is a simple step for using this PDF signature eraser:
- Download and install PDFelement on your computer.
- Launch the tool to erase digital signatures from PDF files.
- Click “Open PDF” to select the signed PDF files you want to erase.
- Click “Protect” and choose “Clear All Signatures”. This option will erase the digital signature from the document.
- Then, save the document.
Method 3: How to Erase a Signature from PDF Using WPS Office
WPS Office is a complete office suite similar to Adobe Acrobat, MS Word, etc. You can use WPS to modify PDF, Word, and Excel files, including the removal of signatures from PDF files. Here is how to erase signatures from PDFs with WPS:
- Open the PDF with the signature in the WPS Office.
- Click “Edit” and then “Signature” from the tool’s menu.
- Choose the signature you want to erase. Click the “Delete” option.
- Click “Save” to save the file changes.
B) Part 2: How to Remove Signature from PDF – Online
You can use online tools to erase PDF signatures easily at no cost without downloading or installing anything. You just need a stable internet connection since online tools work on the cloud. Here are some of the online tools you can use to remove PDF signatures:
Method 1: How to Erase Signature from PDF by Remove Sign from PDF Online
You can use Remove Sign from PDF Online to clear signatures from PDF files. You can follow these steps to erase your PDF signature with this tool:
- Go to the tool’s website on your web browser.
- Click “Browse for a Document on Your Computer” to add the PDF files you want to modify.
- After the file is uploaded, click “Erase” from the top menu. This function lets you erase signatures from PDFs using a whiteout.
- Find the signature on the PDF and use the eraser to delete it completely.
Method 2: How to Remove Signature from PDF with PDFfiller
PDFfiller is another excellent online tool that can help you erase PDF signatures easily. The process is simple and inexpensive, as long as you have a good internet connection. Here is how to erase a digital signature from a PDF quickly using PDFfiller:
- Open PDFfiller on your web browser. Then, upload the document.
- Find the signature you want to remove.
- Click on the signature to get a drop-down menu and choose the “Delete Signature” option.
- Confirm deleting the signature and save the changes to your PC.
Method 3. How to Remove PDF Signature using Sejda
Sejda is another online tool that removes PDF signatures without trouble. Here is the process of using Sejda:
- Open Sejda on your browser. Click “Upload PDF file” and pick the PDF file with a signature to delete.
- Click “Whiteout”. Adjust the size of the box over the signature. You can make a new sign depending on the type of the signature, whether a dotted line or a solid line.
- Click on “Apply Changes” to remove the signature.
- Download your signature free PDF file.
Use and Significance of PDF With a Signature?
PDF with signature is especially important for sensitive legal documents and contracts that require a high level of identity assurance and document integrity. For example, a PDF with a signature can be used for the following:
- Signing tax forms, invoices, receipts, and bills.
- Signing employment contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and confidentiality agreements.
- Signing loan applications, mortgage documents, and lease agreements.
- Signing medical records, consent forms, and prescriptions.
- Signing academic transcripts, diplomas, and certificates.
A PDF document with a signature holds great importance in various scenarios. It provides legal validity and authenticity of the documents. Here is more significance of using a signature in PDF:
- It enables secure and verifiable electronic transactions.
- Unlike traditional handwritten signatures, digital signatures use cryptographic technology to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the document.
- It provides a unique identifier for the signer and protects against unauthorized modifications.
- It ensures that the document has not been altered or tampered with after signing.
- It complies with the most demanding legal and regulatory requirements around the world.
- It can be easily verified by anyone using a PDF reader or an online validator.
- A signature also creates a legal binding between the signer and the recipient of the document, which can be used as evidence in case of disputes or litigation.
Why Remove Signature From PDF Document?
Removing a signature from a PDF document can be a necessary step in various situations. While it may seem puzzling at first, there are legitimate reasons why someone may need to remove a signature. Let’s delve into this topic and explore the reasons behind it:
- Correction: You might have signed the wrong document or the wrong version of the document. For example, you might have signed a contract that has incorrect or outdated terms, or you might have signed a form that has errors or missing information. In this case, you might want to remove your signature and sign the correct document instead.
- Revision and Editing: Signatures are often added to signify the completion or approval of a document. However, if further changes or edits are required, removing the signature allows for seamless modifications without invalidating the original document.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: In certain cases, a signed document may contain sensitive or confidential information that needs to be shared with others. By removing the signature, the document can be shared while protecting the signer’s identity and maintaining privacy.
- Legal Considerations: There may be legal requirements or restrictions that necessitate the removal of signatures. For example, when submitting documents to certain authorities or institutions, signatures may need to be removed to comply with specific regulations.
- Reusability: Removing a signature allows for the reuse of a document template. By eliminating the signature, the document can serve as a template for future use, saving time and effort in recreating the same document repeatedly.
- Redacting Personal Information: In situations where personal information needs to be redacted, removing the signature is crucial. It ensures that personal details, such as a person’s full name or contact information, are not exposed or shared unintentionally.
It is important to note that removing a signature should always be done ethically and within the boundaries of the law. Furthermore, it is advisable to retain the original signed document for reference and legal purposes.
Why Is It Difficult to Remove a Signature From a PDF?
You may be having trouble erasing your own or someone else’s digital signature. Here are some of the possible causes:
Multiple Signatures: If a PDF document contains multiple signatures from different individuals, each person’s signature would need to be individually removed. As the document owner, you may not have the authority or capability to remove other people’s signatures.
Document Locking: If the document owner has locked the PDF, it may not be possible to remove any signatures. Document locking is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes or manipulation of important documents. Removing a signature would require bypassing this security feature.
Read-Only Documents: In the case of read-only PDF documents, you may need to obtain a new, unlocked copy of the file in order to make any modifications, including removing a signature. Read-only documents are typically restricted from editing or altering the content. Requesting an editable version would be necessary to remove a signature.
It is important to note that when signing a document, using the “Lock document after signing” option should only be done when you are the final signer and no further changes are expected. Additionally, password protection can be useful to enhance the security of the PDF.
FAQ
Q1. Is deleting signatures and removing signatures from PDF files the same thing?
A: Yes, both terms mean the same thing. They both mean the action of getting rid of the Signature while keeping the rest of the content unchanged.
Q2: Can I Remove Other Signatures from a PDF?
A: You can only erase your Signature from a PDF file, and only if the owner or other signers do not lock the document. If you want to erase a signature that is not yours, or if the document is locked, you will have to request the person who signed or locked the document to edit it for you.
Q3. Can I Remove a Signature by Redacting it?
Ans: Redacting a signature is not the same as removing one. Redacting a signature will only cover it with a black or white rectangle, which may look unprofessional or suspicious. A better way to delete a signature is to use a PDF editor that can remove the signed field, making the document look professional.
Q4. Can I Retrieve the Unsigned PDF?
A: If you are the sole signer of a PDF document, you can retrieve the unsigned version. In such a case, you can remove your Signature from the document, make the necessary edits, and then proceed to sign it again. However, if other individuals have signed the PDF, you would need to ask them for an unsigned copy of the document or request access to the source file in order to make any changes.
Q5: How do I convert a signed PDF to a normal PDF?
A: To convert a signed PDF to a normal PDF, you need to remove the digital Signature from the PDF document. After removing the digital Signature, you can save the PDF document as a normal PDF.
Conclusion
Removing a signature from a PDF is a task that may be required in various situations. In this blog post, we have shown you how to remove a signature from a PDF using different methods. We have also explained the term PDF and the importance of using signatures in PDF documents.
Have you found the blog useful? If you have any feedback or questions about this topic, please feel free to leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to check out our previous blogs and stay tuned for our upcoming new blogs on various topics. Thank you for reading!