How to Edit PDF After Signature

​You’ve signed a PDF document and sent it on its way—then you notice a typo or an important detail that didn’t make it in. The question comes up: can you edit a signed PDF without starting from scratch? The good news is yes, you can. While the steps vary based on the type of signature and the software you’re using, editing a PDF after it’s been signed is entirely possible.

This guide will walk you through how to edit a PDF after it’s been signed on both Windows and macOS. We’ll explain the steps for handling image-based signatures as well as digitally signed PDFs, so you’re prepared for any situation.

You’ll also learn how to edit signed PDFs using pdfFiller—a robust solution that makes the process easier. Let’s dive in and give you the tools to confidently edit signed PDF documents.

Understanding Signed PDFs

Before diving into editing, it’s essential to know what kind of signed PDF you’re working with. Not all signatures are the same, and this distinction shapes how you approach changes to your PDF file.

• Image Signatures: These are visual representations, like a scanned handwritten signature or a typed name, placed on the document. They don’t lock the PDF or provide security features. Editing a PDF with an image signature is simple because it’s just another element, like text or a picture.
  
• Digital Signatures: These use cryptographic technology to secure a digitally signed PDF document. When you sign a PDF this way, it creates a unique digital fingerprint. Any edit to a digitally signed PDF will invalidate the signature, signaling that the document has been altered.
  

Knowing whether your PDF has an image or digital signature is the first step to editing it effectively.

Great news awaits—if your PDF file has an image signature, editing it is a breeze. An image signature is simply a visual element, like a scanned handwritten mark or typed name, placed on the document. You can modify the PDF without impacting the signature, provided you don’t move or delete it. Here’s how to edit signed PDFs with image signatures using free tools on Windows and macOS.

Editing on Windows

Windows users have access to free tools that make editing a signed PDF straightforward. Since the signature is just an image, the document remains unlocked, allowing you to adjust text, images, or formatting with ease.

1. Microsoft Edge:

• Open your PDF in Microsoft Edge, which comes pre-installed on Windows.
  
• Right-click the PDF file, select “Open with,” and choose Microsoft Edge.
  
• Use the “Draw” tool from the top menu to add annotations or comments over the existing content.
  
• To save, click the disk icon or select “Save As” to create a new PDF with your changes.
  

2. Built-in Print to PDF:

• Open the signed PDF in any viewer that supports printing.
  
• Select “File” > “Print,” then choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” as the printer.
  
• Before printing, add comments or additional information using a basic editor, then save the updated file.
  

These options ensure your image signature stays intact while you edit the document.

Editing on macOS

For macOS users, editing a PDF with an image signature is just as simple using built-in tools. The signature doesn’t lock the document, so you can make changes without restrictions.

1. Preview:

• Launch the PDF in Preview, the default app for viewing PDFs on macOS.
  
• Click the Markup Toolbar button (a pencil icon) to access editing options.
  
• Add text by selecting the “Text” tool, then clicking where you want to type. Adjust formatting as needed.
  
• Insert shapes or comments using the toolbar options—your image signature remains untouched.
  
• Save your work by clicking “File” > “Save,” or export it as a new PDF via “File” > “Export.”
  

2. Quick Look:

• Select the PDF in Finder, press the spacebar to open Quick Look, and click the Markup button.
  
• Add text, lines, or notes directly on the PDF.
  
• Save changes to update the file without altering the original signature.
  

Since image signatures don’t secure the PDF, you’re free to edit the content. Just be sure to inform all involved parties about your updates to keep everyone on the same page.

Editing a digitally signed PDF document presents a unique challenge due to its built-in security features. A digital signature locks the document, ensuring its integrity—any alteration invalidates the original signature. While this adds complexity, you can still edit signed PDFs with digital signatures using free tools and a clear process. Here’s how to do it on Windows and macOS.

Steps to Edit a Digitally Signed PDF

Handling a digitally signed PDF requires careful steps to unlock, edit, and re-secure the document. Follow this process to manage your changes effectively.

1. Clear the Signature:

• Open the PDF file in a compatible free tool.
  
• Find the digital signature, often displayed in a signature field or as a pop-up message when you click it.
  
• Use the available option to remove the signature, unlocking the document for edits.
  

2. Edit the PDF:

• With the signature cleared, update text, images, or form fields as needed.
  
• Take care to make precise changes, ensuring the new PDF reflects your intent without errors.
  

3. Add a New Signature:

• After editing, re-sign the document with a new signature to secure it again.
  
• If multiple parties signed the original, they’ll need to add their signatures to the updated version too.
  

Tools for Windows and macOS

Free tools can help you edit a digitally signed PDF, though options for managing digital signatures are limited compared to paid software. Here’s what works on each platform.

On Windows

1. Microsoft Edge:

• Open the digitally signed PDF in Microsoft Edge, a free browser included with Windows.
  
• Edge can’t directly clear digital signatures, so you’ll need an unsigned copy or a workaround.
  

To edit:

• Request an unsigned PDF from the signer or use a saved unsigned copy.
  
• Right-click the file, select “Open with” > “Microsoft Edge.”
  
• Use the “Draw” or “Text” tools to add comments or additional information.
  
• Save by clicking the disk icon or “Save As” to create a new PDF.
  

2. Print to PDF:

• Open the PDF in any viewer.
  
• Select “File” > “Print” and choose “Microsoft Print to PDF.”
  
• Edit by adding annotations in a basic editor first, then save the updated file.
  
• Note: This method assumes you’ve cleared the signature elsewhere or are working from an unsigned copy.
  

On macOS

1. Preview:

• Open the PDF in Preview, macOS’s free built-in app.
  
• Preview doesn’t support clearing digital signatures directly. You’ll need an unsigned PDF to proceed.
  

To edit:

• Use an unsigned copy of the document.
  
• Click the Markup Toolbar button and select tools to add text, shapes, or comments.
  
• Save your changes with “File” > “Save” or export as a new PDF.
  

2. Quick Look:

• In Finder, select the PDF and press the spacebar for Quick Look.
  
• Click the Markup button to add text or notes.
  
• Save to update the file, but this requires starting with an unsigned copy since Quick Look can’t remove signatures.
  

Important Note: Free tools like Microsoft Edge and Preview lack native features to clear digital signatures. If you need to unlock a digitally signed PDF, you may need permission from the signer to obtain an unsigned copy or rely on a separate free signing tool to remove the signature first. Clearing a signature without authorization could carry legal risks, so always keep an unsigned copy and notify multiple parties of changes to maintain transparency.

How to Edit a PDF After Signature Using pdfFiller

pdfFiller offers a seamless way to edit a PDF after signature, whether it’s an image or a digitally signed PDF document. This cloud-based tool is secure, user-friendly, and perfect for managing PDFs on any device. Here’s how to do it.

Step-by-Step Guide with pdfFiller

1. Upload Your PDF File:

• Go to pdfFiller.com and log in or start a free trial.
  
• Click “Add New” to upload your signed PDF from your computer or Google Drive.
  

2. Edit the Document:

• Open the PDF in the editor.
  
• Use the toolbar to edit text, add images, or fill form fields. The interface is intuitive, with options clearly laid out in the menu.
  

3. Handle Signatures:

• Image Signatures:
  

Treat them like any image—move, resize, or delete as needed.

Edit around the signature without affecting it.

• Digital Signatures:
  

Editing invalidates the signature. To proceed, select the signature, right-click, and choose “Clear Signature.”

Make your edits, then use pdfFiller’s e-signature feature to add a new signature.

4. Save and Share:

• Click “Done” to save your changes.
  
• Download the edited PDF, save it to Google Drive, or email it directly from the platform.
  

pdfFiller’s flexibility makes it a standout choice. You can access your files from anywhere, collaborate with multiple parties, and secure your PDFs with ease.

Best Practices for Editing Signed PDFs

Editing a signed PDF requires care to maintain its integrity. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth process.

• Keep an Unsigned Copy: Save an unsigned PDF before signing. This gives you a clean slate for edits without clearing signatures.
  
• Communicate with Multiple Parties: If the document has multiple signatures, inform everyone of changes to avoid confusion.
  
• Use Secure Software: Tools like pdfFiller protect your data and keep your PDFs safe from unauthorized access.
  
• Check Legal Requirements: Some industries have rules about editing digitally signed PDFs. Refer to local regulations before proceeding.
  

These steps help you edit signed PDFs responsibly and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Editing a PDF after signature doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re on Windows or macOS, handling an image signature or a digitally signed PDF, the right approach and tools make all the difference. From clearing signatures in Adobe Acrobat to editing seamlessly with pdfFiller, you now have the knowledge to manage your documents with confidence.

For a hassle-free experience, pdfFiller stands out as a top solution. Its editing capabilities, secure platform, and cloud access make it ideal for businesses and individuals alike. Ready to streamline your document management? Start your free trial with pdfFiller today and see how easy editing signed PDFs can be.

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