Signature stamp is copyable even after applying

[ITDep]

Hi everyone,

I added a signature in PDF-XChange Editor and applied it as a stamp to the document. However, even after saving the PDF, the signature can still be easily copied or selected on another computer using PDF-XChange.

All I want to do is add my handwritten signature to the document, just like signing a paper document.
The only way I found to make it permanent is to print the PDF to PDF, which flattens the content. But that’s quite a hassle for every signed file.

Is there a better way to embed or "lock in" the signature so it can’t be copied or removed?
Thanks in advance!

[Paul - PDF-XChange]

Hi, ITDep

rather than use a stamp, which is by definition a "Comment" or "Annotation" and designed to be manipulated, try using the "Signatures and Initials" tool: https://help.pdf-xchange.com/pdfxe10/si ... ls_ed.html

Or even a Digital Signature may be appropriate for your use case: https://help.pdf-xchange.com/pdfxe10/di ... es_ed.html

Alternatively you could flatten and rasterize the document.

[ITDep]

Hi Paul,

thanks for the quick reply!

Just to clarify – I’m actually not using the stamp tool. I used the "Signatures and Initials" tool, as you recommended. Calling it Stamp was my mistake.

However, even when using the "Signatures and Initials" tool, the signature remains selectable and copyable in the PDF afterwards, even after applying it and opening the Document on a different machine using PDF-XChange Editor.

Is there any way to embed the signature more permanently when using the Signatures and Initials feature, without having to print the PDF to PDF or flatten it manually every time?

Thanks again!

[Dimitar - PDF-XChange]

Hello ITDep,

Depending on the type, the Signatures and Initials tool, can place the signature as a stamp, or as image.

The stamp is annotation, and as such, it can be selected, so the only option is to flatten it, and turn it, to a base content item.

However, if you ad your signature a different way, like for instance trough Clipboard, it will be added as a base content image:

image.png

Regards.