How to Remove Signature Protection from PDF File? – 3 Ways to Remove Digital Sign
Learn how to effortlessly remove signature protection from PDF files or delete digital signature from PDFs in this comprehensive guide. Whether you have encountered a PDF with annoying signature restrictions or need to modify a digitally signed document, we’ve got you covered. Discover the three effective solutions using specialized tools and everyday software.
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PDF documents are versatile and secure, but sometimes, the built-in security features can be a bit too restrictive, especially when dealing with digitally signed PDFs. If you find yourself locked out of making essential changes to a digitally signed PDF, don’t worry. On the other hand, want to remove certification from PDF files. This article will explore the best methods to remove signature protection from a PDF file. We have the solutions you need if you want to edit, extract, or modify content within a signed PDF.
User Queries:
“Hi, I have 8 PDF documents that I need to sign and send to my team. But, the files have the singing option greyed out. How do I go through it?”
“So, I often come across teaching PDF materials that are restricted. I am unable to sign PDF in adobe reader, not even the pro version. Is there something I am missing out on? Any help would be great!”
Top Methods to Remove Signature Protection from PDF
Here are three methods that can unlock signing in PDF without the need for the internet. Users can choose any of these methods based on their needs. These include using:
- A Professional Tool
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Print Option (Web Browser)
Method 1: Remove Digital Signature from PDF Using Professional Software
When you need to bypass signature restrictions or delete digital signature in a PDF file, SysTools provides a reliable solution. This PDF Unlocker is a tried and tested solution to remove signature protection from PDF documents without requiring an owner password. Users can download the tool for both Mac and Windows and use the free demo version to test the tool’s working.
Let’s delve into the remarkable features of this utility, all finely tuned to the task of removing digital signature protection from PDF files:
- This software is built to be both robust and user-friendly, offering a seamless experience for all users dealing with PDF restrictions, permissions, and security.
- With just a few clicks, the utility allows users to unlock signing in PDF documents.
- It ensures that there are no issues with data integrity. The document remains pristine, even after removing signature protection from PDF.
- There is no hassle of additional software requirements. There is no need to install Adobe Acrobat or any PDF editor to work with this tool.
- Lastly, but most importantly, the user does not need a permission password to remove signing restrictions.
Software Steps to Enable Signing in PDF without Any Restrictions:
Step 1. Open the application on your computer.
Step 2. Click on Add File and select the PDF you want to sign.
Step 3. Specify the location where you want to save the unlocked PDF.
Step 4. Click Unlock to start the process.
Step 5. It will remove the digital signature protection and restrictions from your PDF.
Step 6. Once the process is complete, you can access the PDF without signature protection. Make your desired changes and save the file.
Note: Users do not need to know the permission password to remove restrictions from PDF files using the Ist method.
Method 2: Remove DSC Signature Protection in PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
Adobe Acrobat Pro is a versatile tool that allows you to remove signature protection from a PDF. But make sure to note that it is Adobe Acrobat Pro DC (paid version) and not the free Adobe Acrobat & Adobe Reader. Anyhow, the steps to do so are as follows:
- Step 1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro and open the PDF document with sign protection you wish to remove.
- Step 2. Press Ctrl+D to open document properties.
- Step 3. Navigate to the Security tab.
- Step 4. Choose the No Security option.
- Step 5. Adobe Acrobat Pro will ask for confirmation to remove security. You’ll need to enter the permission password to proceed.
- Step 6. After removing digital signature protection, save the PDF file.
Note: Users must know the permission password to remove digital signature restrictions from PDF files using the 2nd method.
Method 3: Save PDF Without Sign Security Using Print Option
If the user doesn’t have specialized PDF software, you can use Google Chrome to remove digital sign or signature restrictions in PDF document. Other web browsers are also applicable.
- Step 1. Open the sign protected PDF in Google Chrome.
- Step 2. Go to the “Print” option in Chrome. You can also press “Ctrl+P” (or “Cmd+P” on Mac) to open the print dialog.
- Step 3. In the print dialog, select “Save as PDF” as the printer.
- Step 4. Click “Save” to print the PDF as a new, unrestricted file.
Note: The PDF file must not have print restriction or the method won’t work.
Want to Re-apply Signature Restrictions?
Remember that removing signature protection from a PDF means that it’s no longer a legally signed document. Once users have added their signature to the updated document, they can apply restrictions to the PDF document to restrict the file again.
What if a User Also Wants to Remove Image signature like watermarks –
Watermarks actually make it easy to visually distinguish between one highly sensitive document and others that are not. This does not act exactly as security protection but signifies and distinguishes between general and secured PDF files. But what if the user wants to remove it? Well, it can be easily done using the SysTools Watermark Remover Tool.
Final Thoughts
PDF file format is a widely used file format with excellent security options. The application of user passwords, owner passwords, digital signatures, etc. makes it perfect to lock down your content. While creating PDF documents, some users also add signature to PDF documents. But, it becomes a challenge to remove digital signature or signature protection from PDF files. With the methods defined here, you now have the essential knowledge to tackle such situations.
FAQs
Q1. How to remove digital signature protection from PDF file in less than 5 steps?
Ans. Using the above software solution you can easily remove signing restriction or digital signature in PDF files in less than 5 steps.
Just follow the below steps for the same:
- Step 1. Download the software solution on your PC.
- Step 2. Click Add File and select the desired PDF.
- Step 3. Set destination location to save PDF files.
- Step 4. Click on the Unlock button to remove the digital signature from PDF.
Q2. Is it legal to remove signature lock from PDF files?
The legality of removing signature protection from a PDF file depends on the context and the permissions granted by the document owner or issuer. Hence before removing signature permission, always ensure you have the right to modify a PDF file.
Q3. What are the potential risks of removing signature protection from a PDF file?
Removing signature lock from a PDF file may pose several risks, including compromising the document’s integrity, violating legal agreements, and exposing sensitive information. However, if you have the authorization then you can legally remove signature lock from PDF files.
Q. Why can’t I remove signature from the PDF file?
You can only remove your signature from the PDF file. If you have the digital ID used to sign the PDF, you can update the digital ID in your PDF editor and delete the PDF signature.
If you do not have a digital ID, you won’t get the option to clear your signature. In such a case, use the recommended software.
Your PDF may also be locked to disable such actions. To resolve this, you will need to use the recommended software.