Write a signature by using the inking feature of a touch-screen PC When an electronic copy of the file is sent to the intended signer, this person sees the signature line and a notification that their signature is requested. When a signature line is inserted into a Microsoft 365 file, the author can specify information about the intended signer, and instructions for the signer. Top of Page Signature lines in Word and ExcelĪ signature line resembles a typical signature placeholder that might appear in a printed document. The certificate associated with the digital signature is issued to the signing publisher by a reputable certificate authority (CA). Important: Signed documents, which have a valid time stamp, are considered to have valid signatures, regardless of the age, or revocation status, of the signing certificate. A certificate is usually valid for a year, after which, the signer must renew, or get a new, a signing certificate to establish identity. Certificates are issued by a certification authority, and like a driver’s license, can be revoked. When you send a digitally-signed macro or document, you also send your certificate and public key. Signing certificate To create a digital signature, you have to have a signing certificate, which proves identity. Signing certificate and certificate authority A signature confirms that the information originated from the signer and has not been altered. Remove invisible digital signatures from Word, Excel, or PowerPointĪ digital signature is an electronic, encrypted, stamp of authentication on digital information such as e-mail messages, macros, or electronic documents. Invisible digital signatures in Word, Excel, or PowerPointĪdd invisible digital signatures in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint Note: In addition, you can remove a signature by selecting the arrow next to the signature in the Signature Pane. To add additional signature lines, repeat these steps. Show sign date in signature line The date the document was signed will appear with the signature.Allow the signer to add comments in the Sign dialog box Allow the signer to type a purpose for signing.Select one or both of the following check boxes: Instructions to the signer: Add instructions for the signer, such as 'Before signing the document, verify that the content is correct.' Suggested signer's e-mail address: The signer's e-mail address, if needed. Suggested signer's title: The signer's title, if any. Suggested signer: The signer's full name. In the Signature Setup dialog box, type information to appear beneath the signature line: On the Insert tab, select Signature Line in the Text group. In the document or worksheet, place your pointer where you want to create a signature line. If you do not want to purchase a digital certificate from a third-party certificate authority (CA), or if you want to digitally sign your document immediately, you can create your own digital certificate.To learn about digital signatures (also known as digital ID), what they can be used for, and how to them in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, see All about digital signatures. Create a digital certificate to digitally sign a document immediately For more information, see Find digital ID or digital signature services. If you plan to exchange digitally-signed documents together with other people, and you want the recipients of your documents to be able to verify the authenticity of your digital signature, you can obtain a digital certificate from a reputable third-party certificate authority (CA). Get a digital signature from a certificate authority or a Microsoft partner Digital certificates make it possible for digital signatures to be used as a way to authenticate digital information. Many institutions, governments, and corporations can also issue their own certificates.Ī digital certificate is necessary for a digital signature because it provides the public key that can be used to validate the private key that is associated with a digital signature. There are many commercial third-party certificate authorities from which you can either purchase a digital certificate or obtain a free digital certificate. Digital certificates are typically issued by a certificate authority (CA), which is a trusted third-party entity that issues digital certificates for use by other parties. To digitally sign an Office document, you must have a current (not expired) digital certificate. What is a digital signature?Ī digital signature or ID is more commonly known as a digital certificate.

To learn more about how to use them in Office documents, see Add or remove a digital signature in Office files. This article explains how you can get or create a digital signature for use in Office documents.

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