How to create an electronic signature

You can use a certificate card to sign PDF documents electronically. Electronic signatures are created with the signature PIN (PIN2) and they are legally valid.

Electronic signatures can be created using DigiSign Client card or Atostek ID reader software. They can also be created with the Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader software. In addition, you need the signature PIN (PIN2) of your certificate card.

Signing PDF documents with Atostek ID software

These instructions can be applied to Windows, Mac and the most common Linux desktop distributions.

1. First check that the certificate card is in the card reader.
2. Right-click the Atostek ID icon in the task bar. The icon is green when the card is in the reader.
3. Select ‘Sign document’ from the menu.
4. In the window that opens, select the type of document you want to sign (in PDF files, select ‘PAdES (PDF/PDF-A)’).
5. Click ‘Browse’ to retrieve from your computer the document you want to sign.
6. Click ‘Sign’ to start the signature. When you start signing the document, the program first asks for the certificate to be used for the signature. Select a certificate, for example an RSA signature certificate. The RSA and EC signature certificates are both equally valid.
7. Enter PIN2 (signature PIN).
8. You will receive a notification of successful signing. You can close the notification and the signing window. The signed document is saved on the computer with its original name but the program adds the word ‘_signed’ to the end of the name.

In addition to PDF documents, Atostek ID can also be used to sign files, such as files in ASiC-E format. For more information on Atostek ID operating instructions, go to Card reader software.

Signing a PDF document using the DigiSign Client software

To sign PDF documents electronically using the DigiSign card reader software you need to have the software version 4.1.0 or a later version. In addition, you need the signature PIN (PIN2) of your certificate card.

These instructions can be applied to all operating systems that use the yellow smart card icon of DigiSign Client in the task bar: Windows, Mac and the most common Linux desktop distributions.

1. First, ensure that the certificate card is in the card reader.
2. Right-click the DigiSign Client icon in the task bar with your mouse. The icon is yellow when the card is in the reader.
3. From the options displayed, select "Sign .pdf document”.
   
   
    
4. The programme automatically suggests a signature certificate. Click OK.
   
   
    
5. The programme opens a window in which you can browse and select the PDF document you need to sign from the files on your computer. Select the desired document and click ”Open”. The selected document will not open yet, however.
6. Instead, the User Authentication window opens. Enter the signature PIN to the field reserved for it and click OK.
   
   
    
7. The signature has been completed. After you have entered the signature PIN, the signed document opens using the default programme for PDF files (e.g. Adobe). The document is saved on the computer using its original name, but the programme adds the word “-signed” at the end of the name.

Please note that the signature will not be visible on the actual document but is saved in the metadata of the document. This does not affect the validityof the signature.

Signing a PDF document using Adobe Acrobat

To sign, you will need the signature PIN (PIN2) of your certificate card.

1. First, ensure that the certificate card is in the card reader.
2. Open the desired PDF document with Adobe Acrobat Reader or Pro. If the document opens in the Read only format, enable editing.
3. Select "Use certificate” from the All tools tab.
4. Select "Digitally Sign” from the Use certificate menu.
5. The programme requests you to drag the mouse over the area where you want to add the signature. Click OK and then select the desired area on the document.
6. The "Sign with a Digital ID" window will then open. In this window, you must select the digital identifier you will use for the signature. The programme will display the signature certificate and the authentication certificate, and you should select the signature certificate. If necessary, click "View details", on both certificates until you find the one with the word Non-Repudiation displayed in the Intended usage field of its details. This is the certificate you need to use to sign the document and the one you should select here. From then on, the programme will remember your selection. Click "Continue".
   
   
    

7. You will see the details of your signature in the window that opens. If you are the only or the last person to sign the document, select ”Lock document after signing”. Click "Sign".  Save the file using the desired name. After this, a window opens requesting you to enter a PIN for approval. Enter the signature PIN (PIN2) to the field. After you have entered the PIN, the signature will be visible on the document. The document has now been signed electronically.

Frequently asked questions