A digital signature is created using a signing certificate and certificate authority (CA). The former proves your identity and includes a certificate and public key. The latter is the entity that issues and signs digital certificates and guarantees their validity. Additionally, it also has the power to track and revoke certificates. Loans and other legal documents often include digital signatures, which makes it possible to eliminate paper documents. You can purchase digital certificates from third parties such as GlobalSign, IdenTrust, and DocuSign. Many include a free trial.
Add a Digital Signature
To include a digital ID in a Word document, you use a signature line. The author of the document can customize this line by specifying what type of information is required. Conversely, the receiver of the electronic copy of the file sees the signature line and notification that their signature is required. For convenience, the signer can type a signature, select a picture of an inked signature, or write a signature using the inking feature of a touch-screen PC. When the signer adds a visible representation of a signature to the document, a digital signature is added at the same time to authenticate the signer’s identity. To add a signature line:
Components
This includes:
The Suggested signer: The signer’s full nameSuggested signer’s title: The signer’s title, if any.The Suggested signer’s e-mail address: The signer’s e-mail address, if needed.Instructions to the signer: Add instructions for the signer, such as “Before signing the document, verify that the content is correct.”
Consider the two included checkboxes:
Allow the signer to add comments in the Sign dialog box: Allow the signer to type a purpose for signing.Finally, Show sign date in signature line: The date the document was signed will appear with the signature.
Add other signature boxes, as needed. If you haven’t already done so, save your document. And remember, you need to have a digital certificate from a digital ID or digital signature services provider. Note, only the document creator needs to install a digital certificate, not the receiver.
Removing the Digital Signature
Further, to delete a digital signature from a document:
Add an Invisible Signature
Additionally, you might want to consider adding an invisible digital signature to a Word document. When placed, these signatures guarantee the authenticity, integrity, and origin of the document. To add an invisible signature: Once signed, the file becomes read-only to prevent modifications.
Remove an Invisible Digital Signature
You can eliminate an invisible digital signature in a Word document by following these directions: Digital signatures serve a valuable service, making it possible to sign legal documents remotely and without physical paper. Once you get a digital certificate, you can add digital signatures to Word documents and other files. Comment Name * Email *
Δ Save my name and email and send me emails as new comments are made to this post.
