How to Sign a Secured PDF that is Locked? Get the Best Solution
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User Query: “Greetings all! I'm in urgent need of adding signatures to several important PDFs. However, Adobe Reader DC's Fill & Sign tool seems disabled or not functioning. After consulting a friend, it appears the file may be restricted, preventing its use. Could anyone advise on how to sign a locked or secured PDF?”
Many users encounter difficulty when attempting to sign a secured, locked PDF. PDF files typically contain sensitive data, prompting users to encrypt them. This blog will explore the most accessible methods for signing a secured PDF file. Additionally, we will investigate the reasons why you cannot sign an encrypted PDF file.
Reasons you Can’t Sign a Secured PDF
Numerous factors may contribute to the inability to stamp a secured PDF file. However, in this section, we will explore the most significant reasons:
Encryption: Firstly, if a PDF file is encrypted, it may prevent editing or signing without the appropriate permissions or password.
Digital Signatures: Some secured PDFs may only allow signatures from specific digital certificates or authorities.
Document Restrictions: Document restrictions, such as password protection or user permissions, can limit the ability to add signatures.
Software Limitations: Certain PDF viewers or editors may lack the capability to sign encrypted or secured PDFs.
File Integrity: If the PDF file is corrupted or damaged, it may not allow modifications, including adding signatures.
Compatibility Issues: Compatibility between the software used to create the PDF and the software used to sign it can also prevent signing.
Overall, the inability to sign a secured PDF often stems from security measures put in place to protect the document's integrity and confidentiality.
How to Sign a Secured PDF With Adobe Reader DC
Learn how to sign a locked PDF with Adobe Reader DC using these straightforward steps:
Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Click on Fill & Sign located on the right-hand side of the Tools pane.
Select Sign and choose Add Signature.
A pop-up message will appear, offering three options: Type, Draw, or Image.
Choose your preferred method and apply the signature.
Please note: The paid version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Adobe Acrobat Pro, allows users to sign locked PDFs. However, even with Acrobat Pro, users must first remove security before adding a signature. If you encounter any restrictions or need to know the permission password, this manual method may not work. In such cases, consider using software that can remove signing restrictions from PDFs without requiring a permission password.
Sign Permission-Password PDF File
It is quite common when the sign feature is disabled or greyed out. Additionally, this means the PDF file has a permission password and signing is restricted. Therefore, before signing the PDF file you need to remove password protection from PDF file. Follow the steps below to remove restrictions from the PDF file:
Launch Adobe Acrobat DC and open the File in it.
Now, click on the option Protect in the Tools section.
Select the option Advanced Options and select Remove Security.
Then enter the Permission Password and click on the OK button.
Finally, save the PDF file and add the sign to the PDF file.
Professionally Sign a Secured PDF That is Locked
The Aryson PDF Unlocker is the most reliable and capable tool to easily sign a secured PDF file. Use this tool to add multiple encrypted PDF files and remove the password restriction from them. Additionally, this tool offers multiple features and filters.
Please note that this tool can only unlock the PDF file. Therefore, users can use the Aryson PDF Bates Numbering Tool to add signs, disclaimers, etc.
The steps to remove password protection from the PDF file.
Install and run the PDF Unlocker as an administrator.
Click on the Add Files button to add the encrypted PDF files to the software wizard.
Now, enter the PDF Password to the file.
Define the Destination Path and opt for the Optional Features and Filters.
Finally, click on the Unlock button to remove the password protection from the PDF file.
Tips for Signing Locked PDF Files
PDF files contain sensitive and important information. Therefore, this section will explore useful tips for signing locked PDF files.
Although Adobe Acrobat Reader is a popular option, other PDF readers or editors may also provide signing capabilities.
Always verify the PDF's security settings to ensure you have the necessary permissions to add a signature.
When creating a digital signature, you often have the option to draw your signature, use a stylus, or type your name in a signature font.
Ensure your digital signature is clear and professional in appearance.
Verify that your signature is correctly positioned within the document and aligns with any designated signature fields.
Conclusion
The type of password of PDF is very important to sign a secured PDF. If the PDF has an open password, you must enter it to sign the document in any PDF reader or editor. However, if it has a permission password, remembering it is unnecessary. You can use a professional tool to remove the secured status from the PDF file, allowing you to add a signature to locked or protected PDF documents.