Adobe 62000236 Extended User Guide - Page 25

USING ACROBAT 9 PRO EXTENDED 19 Getting started Security Signing a document electronically Like a handwritten signature, a digital signature is uniquely yours. Acrobat includes features to keep your digital signature secure. Unlike traditional signatures, digital signatures can contain additional information, such as the date and time of signature and the reason for signing. Just as you developed your own signature style early in life, you can add your own flair to your signature appearance, as well. 1 Obtain a digital ID. If you don't already have a digital ID, create a self-signed digital ID in Acrobat. A self-signed digital ID includes an encrypted private key for signing or decrypting documents. It also includes a public key in a certificate used to validate signatures and encrypt documents. To create a self-signed digital ID, choose Advanced > Security Settings. Select Digital IDs on the left, and then click the Add ID button in the toolbar. Select A New Digital ID I Want To Create Now, and continue through the wizard. Type the personal information for your digital ID, including your name. When you certify or sign a document, the name appears in the Signatures panel and in the signature field. Name your digital ID and create a password for it that contains at least six characters, with no punctuation marks or special characters. Click Finish. Make a backup copy of your digital ID file, in case the original is lost or damaged. Personal information for the digital ID 2 Create an appearance for your digital signature. Your digital signature can be simple or complex. It can look like a handwritten signature or a typed name. It can contain a company logo, include the date and time you signed, and state a reason for signing. You can create multiple signature appearances for different uses; select one each time you sign a document. If you want to include an image of your signature, scan your signature and save it as a PDF. Last updated 9/30/2011