Body
Summary
This article describes how to set up a digital signature in Adobe Acrobat Pro which is only licensed for use on USNH-owned computers. You must set up both a digital signature (this article) and a timestamp server before you can digitally sign PDFs using Acrobat Pro.
How-To
Task: To setup a Digital Signature in Adobe Acrobat Pro
Requires: An active subscription to Adobe Acrobat Pro or Creative Cloud. The USNH license only allows for installation of Acrobat Pro on USNH-owned computers.
Note: You must set up both a digital signature (this article) and a timestamp server before you can digitally sign PDFs using Acrobat Pro. See related article - Setting up a Timestamp Server using Adobe Acrobat Pro (USNH-issued computer)
Instructions
Step 1 - Open Acrobat Pro
Step 2 - Click Edit ->Preferences
Note: On Mac, this is Acrobat Pro DC -> Preferences
Step 3 - Click Signatures under the Categories section
Step 4 - Click the More button under the Identities and Trusted Certificates
Step 5 - Click on Digital IDs on the left
Step 6 - Click the “Add ID” icon (it has a ‘+’ sign on it)
Step 7 - Select “A new digital ID I want to create new” and click Next
Step 8 - Select New PKCS#12 digital ID file. Click Next
Note: This is not a step on Mac. Continue to step 9
Step 9 - Add the following information:
- Name: Full name
- Organizational Unit: Your department or School/College
- Organization Name: (KSC, PSU, UNH, USNH, etc.)
- Email address: your full employee email address
- Country Region: no change
- Key Algorithm: Set to 1024-bit RSA
- Use digital ID for: select Digital Signatures
Step 10 - Click Next
Step 11 - Choose a password for this Digital ID. The only requirement is it must be 6 characters or more. This is not your USNH or Adobe password.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to remember this password! There is no way to reset this password if you forget it. If you do forget it, the only recourse is to create a new Digital ID.
Step 12 - Click Finish
Step 13 - You should see your new digital ID in the list. Highlight it and click the Pencil icon (Usage Options). Select “use for Signing”
Outcome
You have set up a digital signature in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Further Readings
Adobe Acrobat: Setting up a Timestamp Server using Adobe Acrobat Pro (USNH-issued computer)
Adobe Acrobat: Digitally Signing a PDF using licensed Adobe Acrobat Pro (USNH-issued computer)
Adobe Creative Cloud: Installing Adobe Creative Cloud Apps on your USNH-issued Computer
Need additional help?
To submit a support request, please fill out the ET&S Desktop Support webform with as much detail as possible, or contact the ET&S Help Desk team. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.