How to Sign a PDF: Practical, Secure, and Legally Valid

As businesses increasingly adopt digital workflows, the demand for electronic document signing has grown significantly. Many companies have transitioned to digital formats for contracts, business agreements, and application forms.

PDF documents make digital signing easier and more secure. Signing a PDF can now be done in just a few simple steps using various platforms.

This article explores practical and secure methods for signing PDFs and the benefits of using legally valid digital signatures for document management.

Convenience of Signing PDFs

Using digital or electronic signatures on PDFs offers convenience and security. Unlike traditional wet signatures, which are prone to forgery, digital signatures use encryption and authentication technologies to verify signer identity and document integrity.

Additionally, signing PDFs digitally saves time and costs, eliminating the need to print, sign, and rescan documents.

How to Sign a PDF Easily

There are several ways to sign a PDF using different platforms. Here are some of the most common methods:

1. Using PDF Reader Software (Adobe Acrobat)

Adobe Acrobat is one of the most widely used PDF applications for viewing, editing, and signing documents.

Steps to sign a PDF with Adobe Acrobat:

• Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat.
• Select "Fill & Sign" from the toolbar on the right.
• Click "Sign" and choose "Add Signature".
• You can type, draw, or upload an image of your signature.
• Click "Apply" and place the signature in the desired location.
• Save the document to keep the changes.

Adobe Acrobat offers multiple signature options, including electronic and digital signatures, to meet various needs.

2. Using a Mobile App (Adobe Fill & Sign)

For users who frequently manage documents on their smartphones, Adobe Fill & Sign provides a quick and secure way to sign PDFs.

Steps to sign a PDF with Adobe Fill & Sign:

• Download and open Adobe Fill & Sign on your smartphone.
• Upload the PDF file you need to sign.
• Tap the pen icon or "Sign" to add your signature.
• Place the signature in the desired area and save the document.

This method is ideal for professionals who need to sign documents on the go.

3. Using VIDA Sign for Secure PDF Signing

VIDA Sign is a certified digital signature platform that enables secure online PDF signing with identity verification and encryption.

Steps to sign a PDF with VIDA Sign:

• Register or log in at VIDA Sign.
• Upload the PDF document you want to sign.
• Choose the type of signature:
  • e-Sign for a standard digital signature.
  • Digital Sign for legally verified signatures requiring identity authentication.
• If using Digital Sign, complete identity verification to obtain a digital certificate.
• Once verified, sign the document and download the final version.

Unlike simple electronic signatures, VIDA Sign ensures legal validity and security by attaching an electronic certificate linked to the signer’s ID and biometrics.

This means the identity of the signer can be verified, and the signature’s authenticity can be legally proven. This is crucial in legal disputes where digital signatures need verification.

Benefits of Using Legally Recognized Digital Signatures on PDFs

Using electronic or digital signatures on PDFs provides significant advantages, particularly for businesses and administrative processes.

1. Time and Cost Efficiency

With digital signatures, there is no need to print or scan documents. This reduces operational costs and speeds up document processing and approvals.

2. High Security

A digital signature on a PDF via VIDA Sign includes a digital certificate linked to ID and biometric data, ensuring that documents remain secure from tampering or forgery.

3. Legal Compliance

Digital signatures are legally recognized under Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE). According to Law No. 11 of 2008, digital signatures backed by an accredited Certificate Authority (CA) have full legal standing.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Signing PDFs digitally eliminates paper usage, supporting eco-friendly business practices and reducing paper waste.

5. Sign Anytime, Anywhere

Digital signatures allow documents to be signed from any device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. This enhances productivity and workflow efficiency.

Simplify Your PDF Signing Process with VIDA Sign

Understanding how to sign PDFs securely and legally is essential as businesses transition to digital document management.

With VIDA Sign, signing PDFs is faster, easier, and more secure. Whether for contracts, agreements, or official forms, digital signatures ensure that documents remain legally valid and protected.

Move towards efficient, secure, and compliant document signing with VIDA Sign today.