How do I create a custom stamp in Adobe Acrobat?

First, create your stamp design in a program like Photoshop or Illustrator. Save it as a PDF, JPEG, PSD, AI, or DWG file. In Acrobat, go to 'All tools' > 'Add a stamp' > 'Custom stamps' > 'Create'. Browse to your saved file and select it. Acrobat will then add it to your custom stamps list for future use.

What is the difference between using a stamp and a digital signature in Acrobat?

Feature Stamp Digital Signature. Purpose Marks document status (e.g., DRAFT, APPROVED) Proves identity and document authenticity Security No cryptographic proof Cryptographic proof, legally binding Function An annotation, like a sticker Embedded in document, secures content

Stamp Draft Maps in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Stamp [document=DraftParcelMap_V2.pdf] with a visible 'DRAFT' stamp on every page and attach my…+

Stamp [document=DraftParcelMap_V2.pdf] with a visible 'DRAFT' stamp on every page and attach my reviewer notes as a PDF comment, then save as [output=DraftParcelMap_ForReview.pdf] for circulation to the team.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Prepare the draft for circulation so reviewers know limits: apply a high-visibility 'DRAFT'…+

Prepare the draft for circulation so reviewers know limits: apply a high-visibility 'DRAFT' stamp to every page of [document=DraftParcelMap_V2.pdf], attach a one-page PDF of reviewer comments called [attachment=ReviewerChecklist_June2025.pdf] as an attachment to the document, add a top-page comment listing who should review (Sarah, Miguel, Procurement) and requested deadline of [deadline=Friday], and lock stamp so it can't be accidentally removed.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF document you want to stamp in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select the Tools tab at the top of the window.
3
Click Stamp in the Tools pane to open the stamp toolset.
4
Click Stamp in the secondary toolbar, then choose Standard Stamps from the dropdown menu.
5
Select the desired built-in stamp category (such as Dynamic, Sign Here, or Standard Business).
6
Click on the specific stamp you want to apply (for example, Approved, Confidential, or Sign Here).
7
Move your cursor to the location on the PDF where you want the stamp to appear and click to place it.
8
Drag the stamp to reposition it or resize it by dragging its corners if needed.
Best practiceYou can add multiple stamps to the same page or across different pages for batch approvals or reviews.
9
Save the PDF to retain the applied stamp.

In the appWith the API

You can double-click a placed stamp to add a comment or edit the text if the stamp allows customization.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

StampTo put a mark or number directly onto the page, so it shows up when you print or share the document.ExampleYou stamp the word 'CONFIDENTIAL' across the top of a document before printing it.

Dynamic StampA dynamic stamp automatically fills in information like your name or the date when you place it.ExampleWhen you click to add the 'Approved' stamp, it automatically includes your name and the current date.

AnnotationAn annotation is a note or mark added to a document, like a highlight or a stamp, without changing the original text.ExampleHe added an annotation to the PDF, circling a key sentence and adding a question mark.

Who does this

3 roles

Contract ManagerCompliance OfficerProject Coordinator

FAQ

about this task

First, create your stamp design in a program like Photoshop or Illustrator. Save it as a PDF, JPEG, PSD, AI, or DWG file.
In Acrobat, go to 'All tools' > 'Add a stamp' > 'Custom stamps' > 'Create'.
Browse to your saved file and select it. Acrobat will then add it to your custom stamps list for future use.

A dynamic stamp is a special type of stamp that automatically fills in details like your name, the current date, and time. This information comes from your Identity preferences in Acrobat. It is useful because it saves you time by not having to type these details every time you stamp a document. It also helps ensure consistency in how documents are marked, which is important for tracking document versions or review stages.

No, adding a 'DRAFT' stamp is just a visual mark. It does not offer legal protection or prevent someone from copying your work. A stamp is an annotation, which means it's just on top of the page. For legal protection, you would need to use other methods, such as copyright notices or legal agreements, not just a stamp in Acrobat.

Feature	Stamp	Digital Signature
Purpose	Marks document status (e.g., DRAFT, APPROVED)	Proves identity and document authenticity
Security	No cryptographic proof	Cryptographic proof, legally binding
Function	An annotation, like a sticker	Embedded in document, secures content

Your dynamic stamp gets its information from your Identity preferences in Adobe Acrobat. If the name or date is wrong, you need to check and update these settings. Go to Acrobat's preferences, find the 'Identity' section, and make sure your name and other details are correct there. Once updated, new dynamic stamps will use the correct information.

Stamp Draft Maps

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help