How to Remove Digital Signatures from PDFs.

Professional business woman at a laptop.

Read everything you need to know about how to remove a signature from a PDF with Adobe.

It’s not always straightforward to remove a signature from a PDF. PDF files are consistent and secure – especially when it comes to important functions like signature. After all, you wouldn’t trust signing and sharing a document that could be easily tampered with!

However, there are some circumstances where you can remove a signature from a PDF. Discover how to delete a signature in the Adobe Acrobat suite with our in-depth guide.

What You’ll Learn.

How to Remove a Signature from a PDF.

Usually, it’s possible clear a signature from a PDF if you’re the only signer on a document and haven’t saved. That means it’s possible to resolve an error or typo once you’ve signed a digital signature on Adobe Acrobat Sign.

Simply:

  1. Head to your signature.
  2. Right-click.
  3. Select Clear Signature.

This method allows you to delete your e-signature and continue to make any necessary amends to your PDF. Once you’re done, simply re-sign the PDF online using our free suite of Acrobat tools, or by using any of the Acrobat Sign applications, including the mobile app.

It’s important to note that you can only clear your signature from a PDF using this method.

You can also do a similar thing in Adobe Acrobat Reader, but only if you haven’t yet saved the document.

To do so:

  1. Click on the Fill & Sign tool in the right-hand column.
  2. Move your mouse over your signature.
  3. Right-click the Bin icon in the pop-up menu to delete.

Screenshot of user highlighting signature with a blue pop-up menu.

When using this method, it’s important to note that you can only clear your own signature from a PDF. Once the document is saved, you won’t be able to undo it.

Can I Remove Other Signatures from a PDF?

In order to delete a signature from a PDF, you need to be the person that originally signed it. If you want to amend anything or alter the signature, then the person who signed it must be the ones to make the changes.

Can I Remove a Signature by Redacting it?

Redacting a signature is not the same as removing one, though it may appear the same at first. Also, it may not look professional to blank out an area recognised as a signed field.

There are potentially better ways to remove a signature on a PDF that look more professional. It's worth noting that you will need Adobe Acrobat Pro to redact signatures.

Screenshot of a PDF document. In the right-hand column, the redact tool is being selected.

How to Remove a Signature from a PDF on a Mac.

You can also use Adobe Acrobat to remove a signature on a Mac if you’ve made an error while signing. Remember, if you have saved the PDF, you won’t be able to remove the signature.

Simply: -

  1. Find the signature you’d like to delete.
  2. Select the Fill & Sign tool.
  3. Highlight over the signature, then click the Bin icon to delete.

If you have already saved the document, you won’t be able to delete your signature with Adobe Acrobat.

You can track and collect several secure signatures in one easy click with Adobe Acrobat Sign.

Can't Remove a Signature from a PDF? This Might Be Why.

You might be having difficulty removing your own or another person’s digital signature. These could be some additional reasons.

The Document Has Multiple Signatures Already

If you have a PDF document with several other signees, then you’ll need each person to remove their names. Even if you’re the document owner, you won’t be able to remove their signatures yourself.

The Document Belongs to Someone Else

If the owner has locked the document, then you may not be able to remove your own signature. Signing and locking documents is done for security reasons to avoid any further changes or manipulation of important documents.

In the event the document is read-only, you may need to request a new, unlocked copy to add your signature again or make any amends.

It’s important to use the Lock document after signing option only when you’re the final signer of a document. It could be a good idea to Password Protect your PDF when using this function.

FAQs

Why can't I edit a signed PDF?
If you can’t edit a PDF that’s been signed, it could be because whoever signed the document also locked it – essentially making the document read-only. You may need to create a new copy of the document or request it from the document owner.
How do I change my electronic signature on a PDF?
It’s possible to alter your e-signature with Adobe Acrobat Sign. You’re even able to draw one with a mouse or stylus or upload an image. To do so, just hover over your name and choose Personal Preferences > My Signature > Create. You’ll have the option to clear previous signatures here too if able.
How do I convert a signed PDF to a normal PDF?
To convert a signed PDF into a regular PDF format, you’ll need to save any changes by selecting File > Save, or by saving a copy with File > Save As. It’s important to note that you’ll invalidate the signature if you save an already digitally signed PDF. The reason for this is that Adobe can no longer verify the signature’s authenticity or confirm if the document was changed after signing.

Related content.

How to Create Fillable PDF from Word

How to Add Page Numbers to PDF

How to Add and Remove Highlights in PDF

style
reading width