Can you edit a document after it has been signed?

Asked by: Darby Schiller  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 5/5 (61 votes)

Once a PDF has been digitally signed, it is usually impossible to edit without compromising the signature. And it's precisely the purpose of an electronic signature not to be able to tamper with a signed document! However, in some cases, it is possible to amend the file in a way that keeps the original signature valid.

Can you amend a document after it has been signed?

In short – yes it can! As a contract exists as a legally binding agreement between interested parties, it can be legally modified after being signed. But this happens only with the agreement of all the parties and by adding an extra section, called a 'rider'.

Can you edit a PDF after signing?

Can I edit a PDF that I signed? If you're the only one signer, you can remove the signature and then work on the document or edit the source document. To remove your signature, right-click the signature and then choose Clear Signature.

Can you alter a signed document?

Yes, altering a signed document is illegal and considered forgery, which is a serious crime with significant legal consequences.

How do I unlock a signed PDF for editing?

Open the PDF. Click the 'Lock' icon in the upper-left corner of the page. Click the link labeled: Permission Details. In the "Security Method' drop down, select: No Security.

How to Edit a DocuSign PDF After Signing (Edit Documents with DocuSign Edit)

36 related questions found

Why is my PDF not letting me edit?

If a PDF file can't be edited because it is read-only, you can reach out to the owner to modify permission settings. Alternatively, you can apply a workaround by converting the PDF to Microsoft Word and then saving it as a PDF again using Microsoft Word. You can then edit the new PDF.

How do I edit a signature in PDF?

Change your e-signature in new Acrobat
  1. Open the PDF document or form in Acrobat or Acrobat Reader, and select Fill & Sign from the quick tools panel.
  2. From the signature dialog, select the cross (X) sign beside the previously added signature. ...
  3. To add a replacement signature to the document, select Add Signature.

How do I edit a document that has been signed?

Methods to edit a signed PDF either digitally “print” the PDF as an image and then re-convert it back to a PDF (creating an identical, unsigned PDF in the process). Alternatively, if you are the signer, you can usually “unsign” or clear the signature before making the necessary edits.

Can you edit a signed contract?

Can you change a contract after it is signed? Unfortunately, it can be more difficult to amend a contract once signed, but it is still possible. This is because once a contract is signed, it's legally binding. Therefore, everyone involved in the contract must agree to any amendments you wish to make.

How do I redact a PDF that has been signed?

Here's how to redact a PDF in Adobe Acrobat using the Find Text & Redact function:
  1. Navigate to Tools > Redact > Edit > Find Text & Redact.
  2. In the window that opens, you can then search the document and remove specific words.

Can you edit a document after it has been docusigned?

Select Edit > Open Document. Docusign Edit downloads the selected document, and opens it in your desktop document editing suite. Note: To open the selected document with markup, select Edit > Open Document With Markup. Make any needed changes to the selected document, and select Save.

Why can't I edit a fillable PDF?

Missing administrative rights: Someone else created the PDF and they didn't enable editing capabilities for other users. File is protected: The PDF document is encrypted with password protection. PDF reader doesn't allow it: You may be using a PDF reader that only allows you to preview files, not edit them.

How do I disable the lock document after signing?

A new box will open where you will choose the Digital ID you want to sign with (there should only be one option), then click 'Continue'. The next box allows you to choose your Signature appearance. Make sure the box next to 'Lock document after signing' is unchecked before you click sign.

Are all signed documents legally binding?

Although a document must be signed by each party to be considered legally binding, the mere presence of signatures does not guarantee that an agreement is enforceable in court. To be considered a legally binding contract or document, three critical elements must also be present: Subject, Consideration, and Capacity.

How do you legally correct a document?

You can choose to: (i) prepare a Corrective document; (ii) prepare a Scrivener's Affidavit; (iii) prepare a Corrective Recording Affidavit; or (iv) obtain a Court Order. Obtaining a Court Order is the most successful way to correct a recorded document, however, it can be time-consuming and expensive.

Can a signed agreement be changed?

If the contract is silent on the matter, you may only make changes with the approval of the other party. Both parties must agree to the changes. Depending on the extent of changes, you may be able to simply amend the document. In this case, both parties must sign approval of the changes.

Can you alter a document after it has been signed?

The only way to alter a signed document is through mutual written agreement.

Can you amend a contract after signing?

The answer is yes, you can. If the contract has already been signed, all parties must agree to make the amendment.

Can you reverse a signed contract?

You usually cannot cancel a contract, but there are times when you can. You can cancel some contracts within certain time limits. Some contracts must tell you about your right to cancel, how to cancel them, and where to send the cancellation notice.

How do I edit a signed contract?

Steps for how to write an amendment to a contract.
  1. Identify needs. Begin by identifying the specific sections or terms of the contract that require modification.
  2. Discuss proposed changes. ...
  3. Draft. ...
  4. Effective date. ...
  5. Obtain signatures. ...
  6. Keep records. ...
  7. Implement and monitor.

Can you correct a signed DocuSign document?

For most forms, once you have completed your part of the form, neither you nor any other reviewers can make changes to the fields you've completed. A sender can, however, make changes to recipient information if the recipient has not yet completed their part of the form.

How do I edit a document without changing the original?

To make sure you don't accidentally save changes in the original file, use Save a Copy BEFORE you start making your edits to ensure you're working on the new copy and not overwriting the original.

How do I edit a signed document?

How to edit a digitally signed PDF document as the owner?
  1. Open the document that you want to change.
  2. Go to View → Digital Signatures. ...
  3. On your left, you should now see a list of all digital signatures contained within your document.
  4. Right-click your signature and choose Clear Signature.

How to make a PDF editable after signing?

Resolution
  1. Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat.
  2. Select the "Prepare Form" tool. ...
  3. Select the form field(s) to unlock. ...
  4. Open the form field properties window. ...
  5. Uncheck "Locked" checkbox in bottom-left corner.
  6. Uncheck "Read Only" checkbox.
  7. Re-check "Locked" checkbox and select "Close"

How do I edit an existing Adobe signature?

Replace your signature
  1. Mouse over your name in the upper-right corner of the window. Select the My Profile option.
  2. Click Clear to delete the existing signature file.
  3. Create your new signature per the above process.