Home » Blog » PDF » How to Sign Secured PDF Document in Efficient Ways?

How to Sign Secured PDF Document in Efficient Ways?

author
Published By Ashwani Tiwari
Published On July 19th, 2023
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading
Category PDF

Electronic signature or e-signature is one of the most legal ways to get consent or approval on electronic documents like PDF. These signatures are widely used to replace handwritten signatures in many business or personal process. Many contracts, onboarding forms, application forms, agreements, reports, offer letters, liability forms are signed electronically. But, at times many Adobe users find difficulty to electronically sign secured PDF document.

If any of the files is locked for signing people are unable to add a signature to it. Therefore, to resolve such problems here we have provided the two-step process to electronically sign a secured PDF document. Firstly remove signature restrictions from PDF by automatic solution. Then add digital signature to PDF with free Adobe Reader DC.

User Query

“A few days back I was asked to verify some agreements and add a signature to it. But, when I tried to add it by using Adobe Reader DC, I had found that Adobe Fill & Sign button is greyed out. However, after researching this, I came to know that the file is having some security restrictions due to which it does not allow me to sign. But, the main problem is I don’t know much about PDF security, so can anyone tell me how to sign password protected PDF?”

What is a Secure PDF?

A secure PDF is a password-protected or encrypted PDF. Their security limits who can access and modify them, making them ideal for law enforcement and business transactions.

Open PDF files with:

  1. Password: You can protect PDF files with two types of passwords: an activation password and a password password. The “open” password only allows you to view the secure PDF file, while the “allow” password allows you to move and edit the PDF file.
  2. Encryption: You can encrypt PDF files with an algorithm and open them with a decryption key. We will focus on how to sign a password protected PDF file.

Steps to Enable Edit, Sign Secured PDF Permissions

  1. Download the software on System.
  2. Select the Add File/ Folder button to add secured PDF files.
  3. Select the Save or Print Tab to save PDF Files
  4. Click the Unlock button to removing PDF restrictions.

Alternative Solution to Sign Password Protected PDF

PDF File Unlocker to enable PDF files to print, copy and extract Other permissions, such as annotating, signing, drafting documents, and filling out forms, are also allowed. It also has an advanced algorithm, which makes the task easier. It is simple and easy to use, requiring no technical knowledge.

This program bypass PDF print protection file and enhances them with an interactive GUI that makes the tool easy for both technical and non-technical users. It supports PDF files from all versions of Adobe Acrobat DC, such as 11.0, 10.0, 9.0, 8.0, 7.0, 6.0, 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, and 1.0. Work with all Windows operating systems, including the latest Windows 11.

Working Steps to Sign Secured PDF File

Now, before heading towards the solution to sign protected PDF let us first remove PDF signature restrictions & enable PDF permissions.

  • Launch & run the software on Windows OS.

PDF Unlocker

  • Choose the Add File/ Folder button to add secured PDF files.

Add PDF File

  • Click on Change Button to add destination location for saving the unlocked files.

destination location

  • Click the Unlock PDF button to initiate the process to enable signature in PDF files.

Other Advantages of the Software

  • Unlock PDF file to edit in bulk without any data loss
  • No need to install another application to unlock secured PDF
  • Enable PDF permissions like a copy, print, comment, sign, edit
  • Keeps attachments & other file formatting intact
  • Allows the option to file save file at any desired location

Sign Secured PDF Document With Adobe Reader DC

Adobe Reader DC is the most popular and free program that can be downloaded on Windows, Mac & Android. It helps in PDF file viewing, commenting, and printing. Along with this, Adobe Reader DC also comes with one bonus feature i.e. PDF Signing. With this users can add signature or initials, signature image, etc.

Now, if you are unable to sign locked PDF file then, first remove PDF signature restrictions with the above tool. After that use this Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for signing the PDF files. For that follow these simple steps:

1: Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
2: Choose Tools from the menu and click Fill & Sign
3: Now click on the sign icon which appears like a pen
4: Then, choose any option a) Add Signature b) Add Initials

Note: If you’ve already added your signature or initials. Then, just select it from the Sign options & select the position where you want to place in your PDF document & then skip to the next step.

But, if the user is signing for the first time then you can choose to type, draw, or import a signature image. Also, for the future use of the signature check “Save Signature” option.

Step 5: Then, click on Apply & then click at the place in the PDF where you want to place the signature or initials.

  • Finally, by following the above steps users can sign password protected PDF File.
  • Conclusion

    As we know that e-signature helps in reducing the time which is spent on paper, ink, and postage. Overall it is a big cost saving for all business and normal PDF users. But, the main problem arises when users are unable to sign secured PDF documents. When PDF signing permissions are not allowed then users can’t add a signature to PDF. Therefore, in such cases, it is necessary to remove PDF signature restrictions first and then sign with Adobe Reader DC. Hence, in this write-up, we have covered both the procedure. So follow it & get the problem fixed.

    Common Asked User Questions

    Q: Can non-technical users run the program to remove PDF restrictions?

    Yes, the program is designed with a very user-friendly interface so that non-technical users can also use it to remove security from PDF files.

    Q: Can the utility open all types of PDF?

    Yes, this application can easily open many types of protected PDF files.

    Q: Will the software format the file after removing PDF file restrictions?

    The tool does not perform file formatting. In addition, the quality of printed documents is maintained at 100%.

    Q: Can we open PDF files in PDF format or e-book format?

    Yes, this utility can be used to remove protection from PDF files in PDF or eBook format.

    Q: Can I use this PDF remover on the Windows 11.10 operating system?

    Yes, of course, this is compatible with all versions of Windows OS, including 10. You can easily use this tool to open PDF files.