Follow the steps below to create and save a reusable signature in Adobe Acrobat using an image of your handwritten signature.
Step 1 – Sign Your Name
Write your signature on a clean, white, unlined sheet of paper (a white Post-it note works well).
Use dark ink, preferably black, to ensure good image quality.
Step 2 – Scan or Photograph Your Signature
Scan your signature or take a clear, well-lit photo of it.
Send the image to yourself via email so you can easily access it on your computer.
Step 3 – Save and Crop Your Signature
- Open the email containing your signature image.
- Click the dropdown arrow on the image and select Save As.
- Save the file to an easy-to-find location (such as your Desktop or U-Drive).
Next, crop the image:
- Open the image in Paint (or another basic image editor).
- Use the Rectangle Select tool to draw a box around only your signature.
- Click Crop.
- Click File > Save to save the cropped version of your signature.
Step 4 – Upload Your Signature into Adobe Acrobat
- Open a PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
- Go to Tools and select Fill & Sign.
- Click the plus sign (+) option to Add Signature.
- Choose Image (not Type) .
- Click Select Image and locate your saved signature file.
- Click Apply.
Step 5 – Use Your Saved Signature
Your signature will now be saved in Adobe Acrobat.
To use it again:
- Open a PDF
- Select Fill & Sign
- Click your saved signature to insert it
Important Note
You only need to complete this setup once. Your signature will remain saved in Adobe for future use. If it is ever removed (for example, after an update), simply repeat these steps.
Adobe Reader Users
If you are using Adobe Reader only and do not see the Fill & Sign or signature tools described above, please reach out to Information Resources (IR) to confirm access to Adobe Acrobat features.
We do not believe this requires an additional cost under the campus subscription, but IR can verify your account and provide guidance or enable the appropriate access if needed.