PDF Unsigned Signature Fields

Unsigned signature fields in a PDF are placeholders for digital signatures that can be added to a PDF document at a later time. These fields are often created by the author or originator of the document, and they indicate where and how a digital signature should be placed. When the document is distributed, recipients can then use these fields to sign the PDF using a digital certificate.

Key Characteristics of Unsigned Signature Fields:

1. Placeholders for Signatures:
   • An unsigned signature field is essentially a reserved space in the PDF document where a signature can be applied.
   • It is not yet signed and does not contain any cryptographic signature data.
2. Prepared by the Document Creator:
   • The creator of the PDF document prepares and embeds these fields using a PDF editor or PDF form design software.
   • For example, using software like Adobe Acrobat Pro, Foxit PhantomPDF, or other PDF form design tools, you can create a signature field that appears as a box or an area where a recipient can later click and sign.
3. Interactive Field:
   • An unsigned signature field is an interactive form field within the PDF. When a user opens the PDF in a PDF viewer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader), they can click on the field to start the signing process.
   • This is especially useful in workflow scenarios where multiple parties are required to sign the document, as it clearly indicates where each party should sign.
4. No Digital Signature Yet:
   • Because the field is unsigned, there is no digital signature data or cryptographic information associated with it until someone signs it.
   • When a signer adds their digital signature to the field, the PDF is updated to include the signature data, and the field is marked as signed.

How Unsigned Signature Fields Are Used:

1. In Legal and Business Documents:
   • Unsigned signature fields are commonly used in contracts, agreements, forms, and other documents where one or more parties need to sign.
   • The fields allow the recipients to add their signatures in predefined locations, ensuring the document’s structure remains consistent.
2. In Digital Signing Workflows:
   • They are often used in e-signature workflows, where a document is sent to multiple recipients for signing.
   • For example, a company might send a PDF with several unsigned signature fields to different stakeholders who need to sign in specific places.
3. Preparing for Future Signing:
   • An organization might prepare a template with unsigned signature fields, which can be reused and signed by various recipients at different times.
   • The fields help ensure that all signatures appear in the designated areas without altering the layout of the document.

Appearance of Unsigned Signature Fields:

• In the PDF, unsigned signature fields typically appear as rectangular boxes with a label like “Sign Here” or “Click to Sign.”
• When viewed in PDF software like Adobe Acrobat Reader, these fields are often highlighted and may have a tooltip prompting the user to sign.
• The visual appearance can be customized during creation, including the size, position, and text label of the signature field.

How Unsigned Signature Fields Are Created:

Creating an unsigned signature field requires a PDF editing tool with support for forms. Here’s how you can create an unsigned signature field using Adobe Acrobat Pro:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Go to the Tools menu and select Prepare Form.
3. Click on Add a Signature Field.
4. Click and drag to place the field where you want the signature to appear.
5. Save the PDF with the newly added signature field.

After these steps, the PDF will have a designated signature field that remains unsigned until someone uses a digital certificate to sign the field.

How Recipients Sign Using an Unsigned Signature Field:

1. The recipient opens the PDF with a PDF reader that supports digital signatures (like Adobe Acrobat Reader).
2. They click on the unsigned signature field.
3. The PDF reader prompts the user to select a digital certificate for signing.
4. After selecting the certificate, the digital signature is applied to the field, making it a signed field.
5. The PDF is updated, and the signature field is marked as signed, with the signature data embedded in the document.

Summary:

• Unsigned signature fields are placeholders in a PDF where digital signatures can be added later.
• They are used to define where a signature should be placed without actually containing a signature yet.
• The fields make it easier for recipients to know where to sign and help maintain the structure and consistency of the signed document.
• Once a signature is applied to the field, it transitions from an unsigned state to a signed state, embedding the digital signature data into the PDF.