How do I add a digital signature to my PDF change log?

Open your PDF in Acrobat. Go to 'Tools' > 'Certificates'. Click 'Sign Digitally' or 'Certify' and follow the prompts to select your Digital ID. Place your signature on the document and save it.

What is the difference between 'Certify' and other digital signatures in Acrobat?

Certifying a PDF is a special type of digital signature. It can only be the very first signature on a document. When you certify a PDF, you are stating that the content is final and approved, and it locks the document from further changes that would invalidate the certification. Other digital signatures can be added to a document that already has content, and they might allow for more changes after signing.

Why would I want to certify my change log PDF?

Certifying your change log PDF provides a high level of trust and integrity. It proves that the document has not been altered since you certified it, which is crucial for official records, audit trails, or legal documents. It acts as an official seal, giving recipients confidence in the document's authenticity and completeness.

What is a Digital ID and why is it important for certifying PDFs?

A Digital ID is a file on your computer or a hardware token that contains your unique private key and public certificate. The private key is used to create your digital signature, and the public certificate allows others to verify that the signature is truly yours and that the document hasn't been changed. It's important for certifying PDFs because it links your identity to the document, ensuring non-repudiation and document integrity.

If my change log PDF already has a simple digital signature, can I still certify it?

No, you cannot certify a PDF if it already has any other type of digital signature. The 'Certify' feature in Acrobat is designed to be the very first and only signature on a document. If your change log is already signed, you would need to revert to an unsigned version to use the certification feature.

◆ Acrobat · sign

Configure timestamping for digital signatures

Certify and timestamp change logs as PDFs and manage the agreements so auditors can verify approvals and reduce compli…

3ready prompts

1real task

3roles

See the prompt↓More sign workflows

When to use it

real situations

An admin needs to ensure all digital signatures in PDFs have trusted timestamps.
The organization wants to comply with legal requirements for document signing.
A company is updating its Adobe Acrobat settings for secure document workflows.

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to enable timestamping for digital signatures in the Admin Console…+

Show me step-by-step how to enable timestamping for digital signatures in the Adobe Acrobat Admin Console for [organization name or group].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips on training your users about timestamped signatures?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest best practices for configuring timestamping for digital signatures…+

Suggest best practices and recommended settings for configuring timestamping for digital signatures in Adobe Acrobat for our organization's Admin Console.

when the reply comes backNeed help checking if your timestamping settings meet compliance rules?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me compare trusted timestamp authorities for our digital signatures…+

Help me compare and choose between different trusted timestamp authorities for digital signatures in the Adobe Acrobat Admin Console, considering security and compliance needs.

when the reply comes backWant advice on monitoring timestamped signature activity in your organization?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF file you want to sign in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Go to the toolbar and select Tools.
3
In the Tools center, find and select Certify and Sign.
4
In the toolbar, click Sign.
5
Use your cursor to draw the area in the document where you want the signature to appear.
6
In the dialog that appears, select your digital ID from the list and click Continue.
7
If prompted, enter your digital ID password and click Sign.
8
Choose a location to save the newly signed PDF, enter a filename, and click Save.

In the appWith the API

You can preview how your signature will look before you finalize and save the signed document.

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

Glossary

words on this page

TimestampingAdding the exact date and time to a digital signature to prove when it was signed.ExampleTimestamping the signature provides undeniable proof that the contract was signed before the deadline.

Digital SignatureAn electronic mark on a document that proves who signed it and that the document has not changed.ExampleA digital signature on your tax return confirms you submitted it and that its contents are unchanged.

Admin ConsoleThe online place where admins set rules for all users.ExampleThe Admin Console is where the IT manager sets up new user accounts and manages software licenses.

Who does this

3 roles

Contract ManagerLegal CounselProcurement Specialist

FAQ

about this task

To configure timestamping, log into the Admin Console, go to the settings for digital signatures, and add or select a trusted timestamp authority. This ensures all digital signatures include a date and time from a reliable source.

Timestamping proves exactly when a document was signed, which is important for legal, compliance, and security reasons. It helps show that a signature was valid at a specific time, even if the certificate later expires or is revoked.

Yes, as an admin, you can apply timestamping settings across groups or the entire organization using the Admin Console. This ensures consistency and compliance for all users' digital signatures.

Select a timestamp authority that is widely recognized, secure, and meets your industry’s compliance needs. The Admin Console allows you to add or manage these authorities, so pick one that matches your organization's requirements.

While a digital signature shows who signed a document, timestamping adds proof of when it was signed. This extra step is important if the signature’s certificate expires or is revoked, as the timestamp shows the signature was valid at the time of signing.