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PDF Document requirements

What are the requirements of a PDF?

Updated over 2 weeks ago

When placing electronic signatures, it is important that the PDF does not contain errors or active elements. Viewing a PDF is a different process than sealing and signing it.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • The PDF should be flat, so no annotations, attachments or elements such as layers;

  • The PDF should be without syntax errors. This can be checked in PDF tools such as Adobe Pro, with Preflight;

  • If electronic signatures are already present before uploading, it is important that they are compliant with PDF standards;

  • The PDF should not be restricted with a password or other protection;

  • Very old versions of PDF might give problems, because they support less modern syntaxes. The current version of PDF is 1.7;

  • We support only PDF formats that are placed on the 'comply or explain' list by the Netherlands Standardisation Forum. Click here for more information.

  • Is the signature not displayed correctly on a document in landscape mode? Use the Print to PDF option and try again.

Most of these scenarios can easily be tested by uploading the file and sending yourself a sign request in our portal. If signing completes and a signed PDF can be downloaded, you can assume your PDF's are correct. 

Resaving a PDF, or printing to PDF, can solve some problems as well.

Please contact our support team if the steps above do not result in successful signing via chat or e-mail: support@signhost.com

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