Sign a PDF from external application.

There are 3rd party applications for signing PDFs, look at www.activepdf.com. You could also do a search on "PDF digital signature", you'll have to wade through a log of junk.

There is a way to do this with Acrobat. First, a PDF can be signed from JavaScript. So you can write a folder level funtion to do this. Second, Acrobat can be controled from an external application with the IAC (interapplication communication) interface. The IAC has access to the Acrobat JavaScript environment, so it can call the folder level signing fucntion. You can find information and documentation here:

http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/interapplication.php

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
[url=http://www.pdfScripting.com]pdfscripting.com[/url]

The Acrobat JavaScript Reference, Use it Early and Often
[url=http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php]http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php[/url]

Thank you,
You have respond me very quickly!

I had read than another option is use the method "AFExecuteThisScript" that allow to call a Java Script program from a C++ program. With JavaScript I could be manipulate the PDF file without the Adobe Reader running.

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Abstract of our project:
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I would need a small library to sign a PDF from a certificate stored at Windows store or security token. So the library need dialog with the CSP of Windows. This library have to support: Multi-sign, be independent of JVM or .NET Framework. The goal is embed it into an ActiveX to allow our custumers add digital signature through the internet browser.
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I had tried a lot of libraries! But none have all the requisites.

Your advise have not price.
Thank you very much.
Jesús

The function "AFExecuteThisScript" is from the Acrobat Plug-in SDK. This function can only be used in an Acrobat Plug-in, which runs inside of Acrobat. A plug-in could potentially make this task easier, if you can get all of your users to install it on their system, and if you can get permission from Adobe to creat the Reader version.

If you want to sign the PDF server side or outside of Acrobat, you will need a 3rd party library, tool, or one of the Adobe LiveCycle ES servers. ActivePDF has a .Net tool for this called ActiveTools.

If you want more developer-centric information you'll need to use a different forum. Try the developers forum at http://www.adobeforums.com

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
[url=http://www.pdfScripting.com]pdfscripting.com[/url]

The Acrobat JavaScript Reference, Use it Early and Often
[url=http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php]http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php[/url]

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I would like share the answers that I collected from the different forums.
I hope that this information will be useful for the developers that need make a similar project.
When I find a good solution, I would like share with you.
Thank you people!

Jesus.
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Question
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I would like sign a PDF from external application.
After try a lot of libraries I thought that a good option may be use the Adobe SDK to make a Plug-In.
But I not want open the Acrobat Reader. Is possible use my Plug-in like a library (DLL)?
I prefer not install the plug-in, only make calls to it for add the sign.

I'm using Adobe Reader 9 and Adobe SDK 9.

Have a better idea?
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Answer
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No, you can not. The whole point of a plugin to Reader (or Acrobat) is that Reader/Acrobat is the user interface that drivers the plugin.
If you only want the “guts” of Acrobat/Reader, but not the UI, then we sell our Adobe PDFLibrary that you could license.
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So I need to have the Adobe Reader running to use plug-ins... :(

Unfortunately I read at (http://www.adobe.com/devnet/pdf/library/) that PDFLibrary can do a lot of things but it can't sign PDFs.

I had read that another option is use the method "AFExecuteThisScript" that allow to call a Java Script program from a C++ program. With JavaScript I could be manipulate the PDF file without the Adobe Reader running.


ABSTRACT OF OUR PROJECT: I would need a small library to sign a PDF from a certificate stored at Windows store or security token. So the library need dialog with the CSP of Windows. This library have to support: Multi-sign, be independent of JVM or .NET Framework. The goal is embed it into an ActiveX to allow our custumers add digital signature through the internet browser.
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Answer
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You can use the PDFLibrary to sign PDFs – it just doesn’t have everything as easy as Acrobat/Reader. Of course, remember that Reader can ONLY sign PDFs that are “reader enabled”…
AFExecuteThisScript is for plugins to use – so you still need Reader.
You are correct. I am not aware of any 3rd party libraries that meet all of your qualifications. Perhaps you will need to write some additional code…
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Create a jpg image in photoshop, 8.5 x 11/300dpi. In the pdf, use the snapshot tool to make an image of the document. Copy and paste it into the jpg. Sign a piece of paper and scan it in as a jpg. Resize it in photoshop as needed. Copy the signature into the desired spot in the jpg. Save it as a photoshop PDF.

The purpose of the Acrobat signature field can be for a legally binding signature that can be validated. This is a little more complex than a signature image or facsimile as there are very specific legal requirements for validation that need to be meet.

Good point, thanks!