Adobe Acrobat 9 PRO Extended - Manual (Page 25)

19 USING ACROBAT 9 PRO EXTENDED
Getting started
Last updated 9/30/2011
Security
Signing a document electronically
Like a handwritten signature, a digital signature is uniquely yours. Acrobat includes features to keep your digital
signature secure. Unlike traditional signatures, digital signatures can contain additional information, such as the date
and time of signature and the reason for signing. Just as you developed your own signature style early in life, you can
add your own flair to your signature appearance, as well.
1 Obtain a digital ID.
If you don’t already have a digital ID, create a self-signed digital ID in Acrobat. A self-signed digital ID includes an
encrypted private key for signing or decrypting documents. It also includes a public key in a certificate used to
validate signatures and encrypt documents.
To create a self-signed digital ID, choose Advanced > Security Settings. Select Digital IDs on the left, and then click
the Add ID button in the toolbar. Select A New Digital ID I Want To Create Now, and continue through the wizard.
Type the personal information for your digital ID, including your name. When you certify or sign a document, the
name appears in the Signatures panel and in the signature field. Name your digital ID and create a password for it
that contains at least six characters, with no punctuation marks or special characters. Click Finish. Make a backup
copy of your digital ID file, in case the original is lost or damaged.
Personal information for the digital ID
2 Create an appearance for your digital signature.
Your digital signature can be simple or complex. It can look like a handwritten signature or a typed name. It can
contain a company logo, include the date and time you signed, and state a reason for signing. You can create
multiple signature appearances for different uses; select one each time you sign a document. If you want to include
an image of your signature, scan your signature and save it as a PDF.