Certifying PDF Documents

BLF have requested that all electronic documents are certified as true copies. Given that most documents are saved as PDF files (or can be saved as PDF files) we believe that the following process, which can be done using the free Adobe Reader, provides a suitable level of electronic certification.

1. Create a document (in Word or similar) containing the stamp text – NB Do not include the date on this.

2. Save this as .PDF file

3. In Adobe Reader open the Comment menu – this can be accessed through the TOOLS menu option at the top pf the screen, by selecting the VIEW menu followed by TOOLS, or by selecting the EDIT menu followed by MANAGE TOOLS

4. Select the STAMP tool

5. From the menu choose CUSTOM STAMPS – CREATE

6. Select the file containing the stamp text you created above.

7. Enter a Category and Name for the stamp and click OK

The stamp has now been created and can be applied to any PDF document.

8. To apply the stamp, OPEN the document to be stamped and choose the STAMP icon from the COMMENTS menu.

9. Choose the Category and Name of the Stamp you want to use:

10. Drag the stamp text to where you want to place it and click to apply

11. The system automatically inserts a comment including the name of the person making the stamp and the date.

NB This does assume you’re logged into your IT system as yourself.