If you’ve added the wrong signature image to a PDF, you can delete or replace it in a few quick steps.
It happens to everyone to place their signature in the wrong spot, upload the wrong version, or simply need to update it.
The way you remove a signature from a PDF depends on how it was added. An image-based signature is easy to delete. A certified digital signature, however, might lock the file to prevent changes.
Keep reading to see how to delete sign image from a PDF and what to do if the signature is locked.
How to Remove a Signature Image From a PDF
If you added your signature as an image, like a scanned photo or PNG file, you can delete it directly using Smallpdf’s Edit PDF.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Edit PDF
Go to Edit PDF.
Step 2: Upload Your Document
Drag your PDF into the box, or import it from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Step 3: Select the Signature Image
Click on the signature. If it’s editable, you’ll see a highlight box around it.
Step 4: Delete the Signature
Press Delete on your keyboard, or click the trash icon in the toolbar.
Step 5: Save the File
Click Export to download the new version of your PDF without the signature.
Remove Signature Image From PDF
This works best when the signature was inserted as an image through Fill & Sign or a simple PDF editor.
How to Remove Digital Signatures From a PDF
A digital signature is different. It’s secured with a cryptographic certificate, often locking the file so nobody can alter it. If that’s the case, you’ll need to unlock the file first.
Step 1: Try Unlock PDF
Open Smallpdf’s Unlock PDF, upload the signed file, and enter the password if required.
Step 2: Check Signature Restrictions
If the signature is certified (with a blue ribbon or certificate info), it can’t simply be deleted. Instead, the signer has to revoke or reissue it.
Step 3: Replace the Signed Version
If you can’t edit it, request a clean copy from the original signer, or use version history if the file is stored in cloud storage.
Digital signatures are designed to prevent tampering, so keep in mind that removing one may invalidate the document.
How To Remove Signature From Fill and Sign in PDF?
If you used Fill & Sign in a PDF editor to place your signature, you can usually remove it the same way: 1. Open the PDF in Edit PDF. 2. Select the signature image. 3. Delete and save.
If the file was locked after signing, unlock it first before trying again.
Why Can’t I Remove a Signature From My PDF?
There are a few reasons a signature might not be removable:
- It was flattened. Flattening turns all elements (including signatures) into a static image. You can’t delete individual parts anymore.
- It was certified. Certified digital signatures prevent edits to keep the file authentic.
- The file is password-protected. You’ll need the password to remove editing restrictions.
In those cases, your best option is to use an unsigned version of the document or request one from the sender.
FAQs
1. Can I add a picture of a signature to a PDF?
Yes. Use Smallpdf’s Edit PDF, click Add Image, and upload your saved signature. You can position it anywhere in the document.
2. How do I upload a picture of my signature?
Save your handwritten signature as a JPG or PNG. In Edit PDF, select Add Image and import it from your device or cloud storage.
3. How to remove signature from Fill & Sign in PDF?
Open the file in Edit PDF, click the Fill & Sign image, and press delete. If it doesn’t work, check if the file has editing restrictions.
4. How to remove a digital signature from a PDF?
If it’s certified, you can’t delete it directly. Use Unlock PDF if you have the password, or request an unsigned copy from the signer.
