Certifying a document
Certifying a .pdf document confirms the integrity of its content. Let’s use an example of a real estate contract, with many clauses and disclosures. To ensure that the content of the contract itself is not modified, the document should be certified. However, the purpose of the contract is to have two or more parties agree on the terms spelled out. This is where signatures come in. Signatures validate signers’ identity and confirm that the person(s) agrees with the content even with legal consequences. If pages or content are modified or removed, the document is no longer certified.
The following diagram illustrates the process:
Figure 8.14 – Certification versus signing of a PDF
Important note
You can apply a certifying signature only if the PDF doesn’t already contain any other signatures.
What does certifying a document mean in the real world? It is timing. Certified documents can be signed if...
