Integrating Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a software application developed by Adobe Inc. that allows users to create, view, manipulate, print, and manage files in Portable Document Format (PDF). It is widely used for sharing documents because PDFs retain their formatting across different devices and platforms. Adobe Acrobat offers various tools for editing text and images, converting documents to and from PDF, and ensuring document security.

Sign PDF Files with Adobe Acrobat using AppViewX CSP

Signing PDF files is essential for validating the authenticity and integrity of documents in digital workflows. It ensures that the content has not been altered and confirms the identity of the signer, which is crucial for legal, financial, and business transactions. Adobe Acrobat facilitates this process by providing robust tools for adding digital signatures. With Adobe Acrobat, users can easily insert their signatures, whether by typing, drawing, or uploading an image, ensuring a seamless and secure signing experience. Additionally, Adobe Acrobat supports advanced digital signature features, such as certificate-based signatures, which offer enhanced security and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

For more information on Certificate based signatures using Adobe Acrobat, refer Certificate-based signatures, Adobe Acrobat.

Prerequisites:

  1. Run the AppViewX SIGN+ Installer to set up the prerequisites for using the AppViewX CSP.
  2. Ensure Adobe Acrobat Reader is Installed.

Add Certificate-based Signature to a PDF

  1. Open the PDF to be signed in Adobe Acrobat and go to All Tools -> View More -> Use a Certificate in the Global Bar.
  2. Select the Digitally Sign option to add a visible digital signature to the document.
  3. Use the mouse to draw a designated area for the digital signature anywhere on the document.
  4. Select the appropriate Digital ID (Signing Certificate selected during SIGN+ Package download) from the list of installed code signing certificates in Windows Key Storage. Select the certificate downloaded and installed through SIGN+_Installer and click Continue.
  5. Preview or edit the Digital Signature Display information as needed and click “Sign.” To customize the appearance, refer to Adobe’s guide on the Appearance of Digital Signatures.
    Note: SHA256 is the default hashing algorithm.
  6. Save the signed document to your preferred location.
  7. The Digital Signature information will appear in the area specified in Step 3.

View and Verify Digital Signature

  1. Click the digital signature in the document to access the signature details.
  2. View the digital signature properties for detailed information.

Document Timestamping in Adobe Acrobat

Add Document Timestamping to a PDF

  1. Open the PDF to be Timestamped in Adobe Acrobat and go to All Tools -> View More -> Use a Certificate in the Global Bar.
  2. Select the Timestamp option to apply a document timestamp.
  3. Select the New option from the prompt to configure the default timestamp server.
  4. Enter the required configurations and click OK to set up timestamping.

Troubleshoot Signing Errors

Error Encountered While Signing: The Windows Cryptographic Service Provider Reported an Error.

Error message:

Problem:

This error message can occur due to various reasons, such as connection issues with the server, authentication errors, and other validation messages.

Solution:

For more information on the error message, refer to AppViewX_CSP_<Day>.log file in C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Temp path.

Troubleshoot Signature Verification

At least one signature has problems

Error message:
  • Signature Banner
  • Signature Panel
  • Signature Properties

Problem:

This error message occurs when the code signing certificate used for signing is not trusted by Adobe Acrobat.
Note: This error message might occur only for Private CA Code Signing Certificates. In case of Public CA Code Signing Certificates, the trust chain would already be present in Adobe.
Solution:
  1. Navigate to Main Menu -> Preferences -> Signatures -> Verifications -> More.
  2. Select the Validating Signatures checkbox under Trust All the root certificates in the Windows Store for: