Easy Tips to Sign Secured PDF Documents Without Hassle

Sometimes, you may receive a PDF doc that is locked or protected with a password. These are called secured PDFs, and they are often used to protect sensitive information. However, there are times when you need to sign these files. For example, when you're asked to approve a form, contract, or official document. Signing a secured PDF can seem hard, but it's important, especially when dealing with business or legal papers. In today's digital world, secure document handling is crucial to protect personal and sensitive information. That's why many PDFs come with security settings. This article will help you sign secured PDF files without breaking their protection. We'll guide you step by step with simple tools and clear instructions so you can sign safely and easily.

How to Sign a Locked PDF With AcePDF

AcePDF is a PDF editor with various features, including adding signatures. It offers different ways to sign a PDF, such as digital, drawing, type, and image-based signatures. This means you can add any signatures you want on secured PDFs. AcePDF also lets you add multiple signatures to PDF, which is perfect for contracts that need multiple signees. Furthermore, this tool stands out with its Remove Password feature. That said, you can easily remove the password for the PDF files you must sign. But remember, AcePDF can only remove the permission password type. Still, this tool allows you to add signatures even if they are protected with a permission password type. However, if your PDF is secured with an open password, you need to get the password first before you open, remove, and sign the PDF documents. Here's how to do it.

Step 1Get the PDF Editor

The first thing you must do is get the AcePDF installer file. You can do that using the download buttons shown above this step. Next, install it on your Windows or Mac computer by following the instructions from the installation wizard. Once finished, AcePDF will open automatically.

Step 2Upload the Secured PDF File

Next, upload the secured PDF file that needs your signature by dragging it to AcePDF's main interface. Alternatively, you can use the 'Open' button and manually select the PDF file. Once uploaded, you will directly go to the editing interface.

Step 3Remove the Password

Before you can sign the PDF, you must remove the password. If the password type is an open password, you need to get it from the person who sent the file to you. But if they used a permission password, you can sign the file without removing the restriction.

Step 4Sign the PDF document

Now that you have removed the PDF file's password, you can start signing it. From the Protect menu, choose a Digital signature, handwritten signature, or image signature to sign the document. Afterward, save the signature and drag it to the desired position. Once done, save the signed PDF file through the File menu and click Save.

How to Sign Password Protected PDF via Google Drive

Another way to sign a secured PDF is by using Google Drive. If you often use Google, you can utilize its built-in PDF viewer to sign PDF files without getting third-party software, making it stand out. Additionally, the tool allows you to sign the secured PDFs with handwritten signatures using its pen tool. With that, you can select the color and thickness you want. However, you may have difficulty signing the document if you are not good at it using the mouse. Still, signing a secured PDF with Google Drive can be easy if you have a phone or a touchscreen laptop. See the guide below for instructions.

• Go to your computer file manager and locate the secured PDF you must sign. Then, right-click on it and choose the 'Open With' option. Next, select 'Google Chrome. 'You will be directed to a new tab on your Chrome browser.
• Next, like AcePDF, you must unlock the secured PDF if the security type is an open password. You need to ask for the password of the person who sent it to you. On the other hand, if the secure type is a permission password, you can sign the file without removing it.
• Now, click the Draw icon on the tab toolbar, which will open the pen tool. From there, you can select the color and adjust the thickness of the pen. After that, start signing the PDF with your mouse or trackpad. Once you've done that, save the file by clicking the Download icon above.

How to Sign a Protected PDF Online

DigiSigner is a tool that helps you sign PDF documents online. You don't need to download or install anything because it works online. It allows you to add your signature to a PDF by typing, drawing with your mouse, or uploading an image of your signature. One feature that DigiSigner stands out is that it uses encryption to keep your documents safe. The signatures are legally valid and are accepted in courts or business deals in the US, Europe, and other places. However, this online tool only accepts secured PDFs with permission password type. This means you can't make a PDF editable if it has an open password. Nevertheless, you can sign more than one file at a time. If you need someone to sign a file, you can send it directly from DigiSigner. Follow the given guide below.

• Go to DigiSigner's website and upload the PDF you need to sign. You can drop the file or click the 'Choose File' button to upload the secured PDF file. Ensure the secured file uses a permission password because you can't upload it to the site if it has an open password.
• After uploading the file, it's time to add your signature. Simply choose 'My Signature' from the left corner and select the signature type you want to use. After that, click the 'Sign' button below to save the signature.
• Next, drag your signature to the right position on the ePDF document. You can also add text, a date, and initials. Once you've done this, click the Done button above to save the changes. Then, download the file to your computer.

How to Add a Signature to a Locked PDF with Preview (Mac)

If you’re using a Mac, you can sign PDFs using the Preview app. It’s a quick way to add your signature to documents without extra software. Like the other tools mentioned above, this app allows you to sign the secured PDF in many ways. First, you can use your trackpad to draw your signature. Second, Preview lets you add a signature using your Mac’s built-in camera, which makes it stand out. All you have to do is sign your name on white paper and hold it up to the camera. Then, it will scan it and save it as a signature option. However, suppose the PDF has strict security settings, like no editing. In that case, you can’t add a signature unless you first unlock it using a password. Also, adding a signature using this tool might be tricky. See the guide below.

• Find the secured PDF file on your Mac and right-click on it. Then, select ‘Open With’ and choose ‘Preview’ from the options. Next, enter the password and press Enter to open the document. After that, save the PDF again through the ‘File’ menu and select the ‘Save’ option.
• Then, uncheck the ‘Encrypt’ option in the pop-up box and hit ‘Save’ to apply the changes. You will now add your signature to the document. Simply click the ‘Markup’ icon (a small pencil tip inside a circle) near the top.
• Next, select the signature icon and start creating a new signature. You can make your signature with your trackpad, camera, or iPhone. Once done, save the signature and drag it to the desired position. Finally, save the signed secured PDF file with File > Save or Export as PDF to save the signed version.

To Sum Up

Signing a secured PDF doesn’t have to be hard. In this article, we looked at different ways to sign a password protected PDF using tools like AcePDF, Google Drive, DigiSigner, and Preview on Mac. Each tool gives you a simple way to add your signature while keeping your files safe. Some even let you remove or work around certain restrictions so you can sign quickly. As we move more of our work online, learning how to protect PDFs from copying or unwanted edits is important. Always keep your documents secure and sign them using trusted tools. By following the steps above, you can confidently handle any secured PDF while staying safe and professional in the digital world.