Signing documents is a task that has always been done on paper and with a pen. But this is already a thing of the past, since with technology it is no longer necessary to print the document to sign it, but instead it is possible to resort to signing digitally. In this article we will tell you all the ways to do it with your computer.
Sign with your iPhone or iPad
To make it easier to trace the signature, you can choose to export the signatures from other devices in the ecosystem. This is important since the Mac features do not include a touch screen, so it can be difficult to do the signatures correctly. That is why both the iPhone or the iPad can be used to make the signatures and send them to the Mac and the Preview program. The only requirement that is established to be able to enjoy this functionality is to have at least the macOS Catalina version installed. In order to include this signature, you simply have to follow the following steps:
- Open the document you want to sign with ‘Preview’.
- At the top, follow the path Tool> Annotate> Signature> Manage signatures> Create signatures.
- Among the options that will appear, you simply have to choose the section that says ‘iPhone or iPad’.
It is essential that both computers are connected to the same WiFi network in order to be fully synchronized. In addition, also to improve this task it is recommended that they be logged in using the same Apple ID. On the iPhone or iPad you will see a blank screen to make a signature with your finger, in this case pressing the send button. In the case of the iPad, for greater precision, you can use the Apple Pencil to have a more realistic feeling of writing on a simple sheet of paper.
The same can be included in the program’s own interface, being accessible from the scribble that acts as a signature next to the marking tool. In this section you can choose the way you want to create your new signature.
Sign with the mouse or trackpad
If you do not have an iPhone or iPad nearby to be able to make this type of signatures in a simple way, you can use the mouse or the trackpad. The biggest drawback that can occur is that it is much more difficult to sign. It is not possible to have an adequate line by having to press the button and make the outline in a clear way. This will also cause there to be a certain tremor in the signature and it is not completely perfect, although for an emergency or a quick signature it can always be useful. To be able to enter the signature through this system, you simply have to follow the following steps:
- Open the document you want to sign with ‘Preview’.
- At the top, follow the path Tool> Annotate> Signature> Manage signatures> Create signatures.
- Among the options that appear you will see the section ‘mouse and trackpad’.
From this moment, as in the previous case, a blank box will appear on the iPad where you can place the cursor. By clicking on the main button and sliding the peripheral you will see how the signature begins to be drawn, which you can always rectify by erasing and starting over.
Store signatures in Preview
All the signatures that are made in the way that we have previously commented, will be stored in Preview. In this way, they will always be available to sign any type of document that needs some attention. As we have commented previously, you can make use of the quick access to the signatures found in the dial bar. When you press you will see a list with the different signatures that are in the program. By clicking on them you will be able to specifically establish the place where you want the signature to be located. In addition, you can also adjust the size of the signature so that it occupies exactly what you want.
Include a digital signature in documents
However, if you want the document you sign to have the required legal validity, you need a digital signature with a digital certificate. This is obtained from different public bodies such as the Mint and Stamp Factory or even with the electronic DNI. Through a reader that connects with a USB connection to any Mac on the market, it is possible to read the chip that is included in the DNI. In this way a digital signature can be obtained.
When it comes to having access to the DNI chip or having a legal certificate, one must resort to the official ministry program called AutoFirma. This can be downloaded on the Mac from the official website of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. When you open the program, it will ask you to upload a document in PDF or Word and then the signing process will begin. For this it is always necessary to have the certificate connected so that it can be detected by the operating system. During this process you will be able to choose where you want the signature to be located and also how it will be visually since you can include the ID, the date or only the signature. This signature will also include the verification system that has been used to give it full legal validity.
