In this brief guide we will show you the steps to digitally sign a PDF document. This way you can send the document over the internet without worrying about theft or file manipulation. For this we will use the program JSignPdf, which will help us perform digital signatures on PDFs.
When you open the program, you will see a button on the right side to expand the advanced interface. We recommend that you select it. Although more options will open that make signing a bit more complex, the work will be done much better. But before you start signing PDF files, we assume you have created your signing certificate on your computer. If you don't have it, click here and follow the steps indicated.
The platform supports hashing algorithms for digital signing (SHA1, SHA256, RIPEMD160, etc.). With this function you can encrypt documents after signing them digitally. These two cryptographic functions will protect the integrity of the files.
- Keystore type has a dropdown with several public key cryptography standards. You just need to select the key that matches the certificate file you have on your computer.
- Keystore file is the certificate file you want to use and it must match the Keystore type.
- Keystore password is the password you specified when creating the certificate.
- Key alias is used when you have more than one private key in the keystore file (.pfx or .cer). You can also click on Load Keys to load all stored keys.
- Key password is the password of the private key that corresponds to the alias you provided.
- Input PDF File is the path of the source PDF file you want to sign.
- PDF Encryption is used to encrypt the documents. This way you add an additional level of protection (you will have to enter a password).
- Output File is an optional option to change the destination and name of the document.
- Certification Level specifies the level of changes you will make to the document. Currently there are four certification levels.
- Hash Algorithm from its drop-down menu you will select the following hash functions SHA1, SHA256, SHA384, SHA512 and RIPEMD160.
Now at the bottom of your document the digital signature will be added. But if you want to change the location of the signature you can do it. For this you just have to click on the Settings option and from a window you can manipulate the position of your digital signature in the PDF document. (From a PDF viewer you will insert the rectangle).
At this point you have all the configurations done. You only have to click on the Sign It button and the digitally signed document will be exported to the folder you specified.
As you can see, digitally signing PDF files with JSignPdf is a simple task and although in the advanced options you need some technical data, you can do it quickly and effectively. JSignPdf is a free program that is available for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
Official site: JSignPdf
