How do I add my signature to a PDF document in Acrobat Reader?

Open the PDF in Acrobat Reader. Click 'E-Sign' in the right panel. Select 'Add e-sign' and choose to type, draw, or upload your signature. Place the signature on the document and save.

What is the difference between an 'e-signature' and a 'digital signature' when signing a document?

An e-signature, like the one from Fill & Sign, is a simple electronic mark showing agreement. It's often legally binding. A digital signature is more complex. It uses a digital certificate to prove the signer's identity and that the document has not changed since it was signed. Digital signatures offer higher security and verification, while e-signatures are for general agreement.

If I need to sign many documents every day, can I automate the 'Fill & Sign' process?

No, you cannot automate the 'Fill & Sign' process. This feature is designed for you to manually add your signature to documents. It is a client action, meaning you must perform the steps yourself within the Acrobat application. There is no special tool or API for automatic self-signing.

Why is 'Fill & Sign' useful for everyday tasks like signing a permission slip?

It saves time by letting you sign digitally instead of printing, signing, and scanning. You can sign from anywhere, using your computer or mobile device. It helps keep your documents digital, reducing paper use and making them easy to store.

How does Acrobat ensure my e-signature is secure and cannot be easily copied by others?

Acrobat helps secure your e-signature by embedding it directly into the PDF. Once saved, it becomes part of the document, making it harder to remove or alter without detection. While a simple e-signature isn't as robust as a digital signature with encryption, Acrobat's tools help maintain the document's integrity. Always save your signed PDF to protect your work.

Fill and sign a PDF form using API in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to fill and sign a PDF form using...…+

Show me how to fill and sign a PDF form using the Adobe Acrobat API with these details: [list the fields and values], then return the signed PDF.

when the reply comes backNeed help setting up authentication for the API?

BImprove — “do it better”How can I make my code for filling and signing PDFs...…+

How can I make my code for filling and signing PDFs with the Adobe Acrobat API more reliable and easier to maintain?

when the reply comes backWant to send the signed PDF directly by email?

CDecide — “help me choose”Which Adobe API method should I use to fill and sign...…+

Which Adobe API method should I use to fill and sign a PDF form if I want to automate everything and keep it secure?

when the reply comes backCurious how to handle errors in your API calls?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF file you want to fill out in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select Fill & Sign from the right pane or the toolbar.
3
Click Fill & Sign to activate the tool for self-signing.
4
Click anywhere on the document where you want to add text, then type your information.
5
To add checkmarks or other symbols, use the toolbar options that appear after activating Fill & Sign.
6
To add your signature or initials, click the Sign button in the Fill & Sign toolbar, then choose Add Signature or Add Initials and follow the prompts.
7
Drag your signature or initials to the appropriate place in the document.
8
Save the filled and signed PDF by selecting File > Save.
Best practiceIf you need to reuse your signature, Acrobat lets you save it for future documents.

In the appWith the API

You can resize or move text fields and signatures after placing them by clicking and dragging their edges.

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

Glossary

words on this page

APIA way for different software to talk to each other automatically.ExampleAn online store uses an API to automatically send shipping details to a delivery service.

PDF FormA PDF file with boxes or fields that people can fill out.

AuthenticationHow you prove who you are when using an online service.ExampleEntering your password and a code from your phone provides authentication to access your bank account.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Improve sign‑off certainty across engagements

FAQ

about this task

You send your PDF form and the field values to the API, and it fills in the fields and adds a signature automatically. You get back a new PDF with everything done for you.

Filling a PDF means putting data into its fields, like names or dates. Signing adds a digital signature to show who approved or agreed to the document.

Using the API saves time, reduces mistakes, and lets you handle many documents at once without needing to open each file yourself.

Yes, you can use the API to fill and sign PDFs, then send them by email or upload them wherever you need, all from your code.

Always use secure authentication methods, keep your API keys private, and make sure you use HTTPS so your data is safe.

Fill and sign a PDF form using API

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help