◆ Acrobat · edit

Set the Timestamp Server for Signatures

The [client] signed the term sheet and wants the services agreement sent for e-signature by [deadline=Friday]. Use the…

3ready prompts
3real tasks
1role

When to use it

real situations

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one
AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to set a timestamp server in…+
Show me how to set a timestamp server for signatures in [Adobe Acrobat/Acrobat Sign] for [my document type or workflow].
when the reply comes backWant to see how it looks after setting the timestamp server?
BImprove — “do it better”How can I make sure my timestamp is accurate…+
How can I make sure my timestamp server is set up correctly and gives accurate times for digital signatures in [Adobe Acrobat/Acrobat Sign]?
when the reply comes backNeed tips on keeping your digital signatures secure?
CDecide — “help me choose”What should I think about when picking a timestamp…+
What should I think about when picking a timestamp server for digital signatures in [Adobe Acrobat/Acrobat Sign]? Give me pros and cons.
when the reply comes backCurious about the difference between free and paid timestamp servers?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
  1. 1

    Open Edit menu and select Preferences.

  2. 2

    In the Categories list, select Signatures.

  3. 3

    Under Identities & Trusted Certificates, click More....

  4. 4

    In the Digital Signatures section, under Document Timestamping, click More....

  5. 5

    Click Add to add a new timestamp server.

  6. 6

    Enter the Server URL and any required authentication details.

  7. 7

    Click OK to save the new timestamp server.

  8. 8

    Select the desired timestamp server from the list and click Set Default.

  9. 9

    Click OK to close all dialogs.

  10. 10

    Restart Adobe Acrobat Pro to apply the changes.

    Best practiceIf users report timestamp errors, verify network access to the timestamp server and confirm credentials—some enterprise firewalls may block outbound timestamp requests.

Preferences > Signatures > Document Timestamping

Glossary

words on this page
Timestamp ServerA service that adds the exact date and time to a digital signature.ExampleThe Timestamp Server added 11:30 AM on July 1st to the digital signature when the invoice was approved.
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.
Adobe AcrobatA program used to view and edit PDF files.ExampleYou use Adobe Acrobat to open and read the instruction manual.

The real tasks

all 3, listed here
Send a new agreement using a custom send workflow
We agreed terms in principle but I don't know the best approval order before sending to the client.
Prepare a one‑page budget change summary and route it to the project sponsor for an approval decision.

Who does this

1 role
Project Manager

FAQ

about this task

A timestamp server adds an official date and time to your digital signature, so anyone who looks at the document later can see exactly when it was signed. This is important for legal proof and trust.

A digital signature is created using a computer and special software, and it often includes extra information like the time of signing. A handwritten signature is just your name written by hand, without any automatic proof of when it was added.

You can use many different timestamp servers, but it's best to pick one that is trusted and works with Adobe products. Some organizations require you to use a specific server for extra security.

An accurate timestamp proves exactly when a document was signed, which can be important for deadlines, contracts, and legal reasons. It helps prevent arguments about when something happened.

If you don't set a timestamp server, your digital signature may not show an official date and time, which could make it less trustworthy or not accepted in some situations.

Sources

where this comes from
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