How to add an image of your signature to a PDF

This article applies to:

  • Revu 21
  • Revu 20

Sometimes, you may need to add a quick signature to a PDF. Instead of printing the document, signing it with a pen, and scanning the page back to PDF, you can simply add an electronic signature directly in Revu.

While an electronic signature differs from a digital signature, it's still legally binding and ideal for certain situations like signing a purchase order.

You can create an electronic signature by adding an image of your signature with a transparent background or by using the Pen tool.

Add an image of your signature

The following steps walk you through adding an image of your signature to a PDF and making the image transparent, so the image doesn't interfere with any information behind it.

For best results, use an image with a white background.
  1. Scan an image of your signature or email one to yourself via your mobile device.
    Don't scan a signature as a PDF. Only image files (.jpg or .png) will work for this process.
  2. Go to Tools > Markup > Image > From File and select the image of your signature from the File Explorer.
  3. Click-and-drag your signature to the document.
  4. Select Crop from the Properties toolbar. To remove any excess space, click-and-drag around the image.
  5. Resize the image and place it as needed on the document. The background will still be opaque, which means the image will block everything behind it.
  6. To make the image's background transparent, go to the Properties panel and click the Mask Color icon. Select white from the color menu.
    Image Properties Mask Color
    Mask can also be accessed via the Properties toolbar next to the Crop icon when an image is selected.
  7. Increase the ± tolerance next to Mask Color, so colors close to white will also become transparent. Increase the tolerance until the whole background is transparent.

Next, add your signature to the Tool Chest, so you can use it again:

  • Right-click the image and select Add to Tool Chest > My Tools.

Before you send your PDF, don't forget to flatten the image markup:

  • Right-click the image and select Flatten.

Use the Pen tool

Another way to create an electronic signature is by using the Pen tool. Since it's difficult to write legibly with a mouse, having access to a tablet PC or a pen input device will make creating your signature simpler. Once you've completed your signature, save it to the Tool Chest using the steps above, and you can access it for later use.

In Bluebeam Cloud, you can't add a digital signature to a drawing but you can insert an image of a digital signature from your Tool Chest.

More Information

If you have a tablet PC, creating a digital signature is even easier with a stylus. Here are a couple resources to get started:

Customizing Tablet Preferences - How to adjust Revu's functionality in Tablet Mode.

Tablet PC Features - Everything you can do in Revu with a tablet PC.

How-To

Revu 21

Revu 20

Markup

Revu makes it easy for you to add a signature to your PDF, instead of printing, signing, and scanning it back in. Click to learn how.